US, Europe to stay close under Trump despite tensions, Italian PM says
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Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni says despite surging tensions between the US and Europe, the two allies would remain close under President Donald Trump.
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Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni gets into her car as she leaves the Elysee Palace, after an informal meeting of leaders from key European Union nations and the United Kingdom, in Paris, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025 (AP)
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told American conservatives on Saturday that the United States and Europe would remain close under Donald Trump’s leadership, despite growing tensions over NATO and Ukraine.
Speaking via video link from Rome to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) near Washington, Meloni addressed concerns that Trump’s outreach to Russia and shifting stance on European alliances could weaken transatlantic ties.
Blaming "ruling classes" and "mainstream media" for promoting fears of division, Meloni insisted that Europe was not "lost." She expressed confidence that Trump would not turn away from the continent, saying, “Knowing him as a strong and effective leader, I bet that those who hope for divisions will be proven wrong.”
Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party, was the only European Union leader to attend Trump’s inauguration in January, positioning herself as a key link between the EU and the new US administration. However, she has remained largely silent on Trump’s recent controversial remarks, including his criticism of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and his suggestion that Kiev should be sidelined in negotiations with Russia.
While reaffirming her support for Ukraine, Meloni avoided direct comments on Trump’s approach to the conflict. She described Ukraine’s resistance as “a proud people fighting for their freedom against brutal aggression” and emphasized the need for strong leadership in securing a “just and lasting peace.”
Her remarks come as European leaders grow increasingly uneasy about Trump’s stance on NATO and his willingness to engage with Moscow, raising questions about the future of US-European relations under his presidency.
European concerns over Trump's shift on Russia
Trump's comments have caused unease across Europe, with concerns growing over the potential impact on European security. French officials have warned of the significant threat posed by Russia, with Macron stating, "Russia poses an existential threat to Europeans."
Macron underlined the need for France to "beef up security" in light of the changing US-Russia dynamic. He added, "I am convinced that we are entering a new era. It will impose choices on us. We Europeans must increase our war effort."
