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Italy's Meloni Backs Trump's Ukraine Ceasefire, Warns Against EU-US Trade War

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reaffirms support for a Ukraine ceasefire and opposes retaliatory tariffs, while navigating coalition divisions and EU defense spending debates.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addresses the upper house of the Parliament in Rome, ahead of a European Union leaders' summit, in Rome, Italy, March 18, 2025. REUTERS/Remo Casilli
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaks to the media at the end of a European Union leaders' special summit to discuss Ukraine and European defence, in Brussels, Belgium March 6, 2025. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq/File Photo
Italian Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso speaks during the presentation of the new Fiat Panda celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Fiat brand in Turin, Italy, July 11, 2024. Reuters/Massimo Pinca/File Photo
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attends arrival of Jordan's King Abdullah II at Palazzo Chigi. Rome (Italy), March 17th, 2025 (Photo by Massimo Di Vita/Archivio Massimo Di Vita/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)

Overview

  • Giorgia Meloni voiced support for Donald Trump's proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, calling it a step toward lasting peace, but ruled out sending Italian troops or endorsing a European peacekeeping force.
  • Meloni criticized the EU's plan to increase defense spending under the 'ReArm Europe' initiative, citing concerns about its framing and Italy's economic constraints.
  • The Prime Minister urged pragmatic negotiations to prevent a trade war between the EU and the US, warning that retaliatory tariffs could harm both economies.
  • Italy's coalition government remains divided, with Matteo Salvini opposing increased defense spending and military aid to Ukraine, while Antonio Tajani supports EU defense initiatives.
  • Meloni pledged to continue pursuing a controversial migration policy involving asylum centers in Albania, despite ongoing legal challenges and delays.