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.

• 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.

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