Giorgia Meloni insists on strong US-Europe ties despite Trump tensions
- Giorgia Meloni addressed CPAC via videolink, reaffirming the ties between the US and Europe.
- She stressed the importance of cooperative security amidst fears of division.
- Meloni's stance indicates her aim to maintain strong transatlantic relations despite political challenges.
In a video address to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington on February 22, 2025, Giorgia Meloni, Italy's Prime Minister, emphasized the enduring connection between the United States and Europe under Donald Trump's leadership. She specifically dismissed concerns about a decline in relations fueled by Trump's recent overtures to Russia and uncertainty regarding NATO commitments. Meloni's comments come amid a climate of heightened tensions between the allies, particularly regarding Europe's security and support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict with Russia. She reassured her audience that those expecting divisions between the US and Europe would ultimately be mistaken, advocating for continued collaboration to strengthen the Western alliance. Meloni's remarks reflect her positioning as a bridge between the EU and the Trump administration, despite her own party's fluctuating stance on various international matters. While she openly supports Ukraine and condemns Russian aggression, the Prime Minister has notably refrained from criticizing Trump's controversial statements regarding Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelensky. This reticence has led to scrutiny and calls from opposition parties in Italy for her to distance herself from perceived far-right elements and neo-fascist occurrences at the conference, notably triggered by Steve Bannon's inappropriate gestures. By promoting a narrative of unity, Meloni aims to consolidate her political base while addressing urgent concerns about Europe's security, amidst rising anxieties over Trump's possible policy shifts and their implications for international alliances.