Overview

• Macron took the initiative for the June 3 visit to pave the way for deeper cooperation on European policy fronts
• Meloni dismissed any personal rift by describing their disagreements as ‘much foam’ around substantive issues
• The closed-door talks covered industrial policy, US trade tariffs and crises in Gaza, Libya and Ukraine
• Macron argued for a coalition of volunteer forces to bolster Kyiv’s defence while Italy pressed for enhanced US engagement
• No joint press appearance followed the meeting, reflecting persistent caution despite public calls for partnership