Overview

• Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on April 17 to discuss the 20% tariffs imposed on EU goods, aiming to prevent a trade war.
• Meloni has announced plans to repurpose up to 25 billion euros from existing EU funds to support Italy’s economy, which is affected by the tariffs.
• French officials, including Industry Minister Marc Ferracci, have raised concerns that Meloni’s unilateral talks could weaken European unity in addressing the tariffs collectively.
• Meloni’s ability to leverage her positive relationship with Trump will be tested, as similar efforts by other leaders, like Benjamin Netanyahu, have previously failed to secure tariff concessions.
• The European Commission is considering retaliatory measures, including tariffs on U.S. goods, while urging member states to maintain a coordinated approach.