Italy’s political landscape is undergoing significant changes under the leadership of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Her government’s stance on transatlantic relations, particularly its ties with the United States (US), has become a crucial element of Italy’s foreign policy. Meloni’s relationship with the Trump administration is particularly noteworthy, given her efforts to balance her government’s nationalist aspirations with Italy’s commitment to European Union (EU) values and transatlantic security.
The Meloni government represents a shift towards a more nationalist and right-wing political agenda in Italy, supported by her party, “Fratelli d’Italia (Brothers of Italy)”. This transformation has led to Italy playing an increasingly prominent role in shaping EU and global policies. Especially, Meloni’s decision to attend Donald Trump’s inauguration marks a clear deviation from the EU’s collective approach. She was the only European leader to attend the event. Her government’s relationship with the Trump administration has sparked debates in both Italy and Brussels about whether Italy is positioning itself as an independent ally of the United States or seeking to act as a bridge between Washington and the EU.
Historically, Italy’s Christian Democratic leadership, especially after World War II, has promoted strong transatlantic ties, and the United States has played a critical role in Italy’s security and economic development. However, the Meloni government is trying to establish a delicate balance between maintaining Italy’s EU membership and developing closer ties with the United States.
Italy’s economic relationship with the United States is multifaceted, with trade being a central element of this relationship. The tariffs imposed under the Trump administration raised concerns in Italy, particularly regarding potential damage to Italian exports. For Meloni, maintaining Italy’s trade surplus with the United States has become a political priority. Additionally, her government is trying to demonstrate that Italy can engage in direct dialogue with the United States to strengthen its political position in Europe, especially as other major EU countries such as Germany and France face internal leadership challenges.The recent diplomatic efforts regarding the case of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, who was detained in Iran, highlight Meloni’s direct engagement with the Trump administration. The successful negotiations for Sala’s release underscore Meloni’s ability to establish a diplomatic channel with the former president, emphasizing Italy’s growing influence in transatlantic relations. Such actions also indicate Italy’s desire to pursue a more independent policy.[i]
Another aspect of Italy’s relationship with the United States, particularly in the fields of economy and technology policy, is the potential contract with Elon Musk’s satellite network, Starlink. The Italian government has considered using Starlink to address connectivity challenges in the country’s infrastructure and expanding the service to public users in critical sectors such as defense and diplomacy.[ii] However, this initiative has faced strong opposition in Italy, particularly from the political and defense sectors, which have expressed concerns about data sovereignty and the impact of Musk’s company on Italian infrastructure.
The debates surrounding the Starlink contract illustrate the complexity of Italy’s position within the EU framework. While the potential benefits of technological advancement are clear, the issue also raises significant concerns about Italy’s independence in the face of U.S. influence. The EU’s regulatory framework, particularly the Digital Services Act, complicates the matter as it seeks to curb the power of global platforms like Starlink. This situation highlights the paradox within Italy’s current foreign policy: while Meloni seeks to establish closer ties with Trump, she simultaneously faces resistance within her government regarding the implications of such a relationship for Italy’s national sovereignty.
Meloni’s ability to manage Italy’s relations with both the United States and the European Union will be crucial in shaping the country’s future political landscape. Italy’s commitment to the EU, particularly its support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, has been one of the cornerstones of Meloni’s foreign policy. However, there are concerns in Italy that a more nationalist approach could weaken the country’s role within the EU, especially if Italy begins to prioritize its bilateral relations with the United States over Europe’s collective actions.
The broader EU context complicates Italy’s position. If Italy were to pursue an independent foreign policy, it could isolate itself from its European partners and potentially weaken the EU as a whole. On the other hand, Meloni’s careful diplomacy, particularly with France and Germany, is crucial for maintaining Italy’s influence within the EU framework. The balancing act is vital, as a shift towards a nationalist and unilateral foreign policy could have long-term implications for Italy’s position in Europe and its relationship with Washington.
In this sensitive political environment, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani plays a crucial role in maintaining Italy’s position on the global stage. His recent meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlight the ongoing importance of transatlantic relations for Italy. Tajani has emphasized Italy’s commitment to NATO and EU security, and has also sought to position Italy as an active participant in regional security discussions, including in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific regions.[iii] Italy’s efforts to strengthen its commercial and economic ties with the United States, including the potential for increased Italian investments in the U.S. market, reflect the continuing importance of economic diplomacy in Italy’s foreign policy.
Under the government of Giorgia Meloni, the relationship between Italy and the United States represents a complex and evolving dynamic influenced by historical ties, economic interests, and the changing political landscape within the broader EU and transatlantic alliance. While Meloni seeks to position Italy as a direct counterpart to the U.S., her government faces significant challenges in balancing national interests with EU obligations. The technological sovereignty debate, exemplified by the Starlink contract, highlights the tensions in Italy’s foreign policy. Ultimately, Italy’s future role in Europe and its relations with the U.S. will depend on its ability to navigate these competing interests and ensure that its actions contribute to the stability and cohesion of both the EU and transatlantic alliances.
[i] “Between Trumpism and the EU: Giorgia Meloni and the path ahead for Italy”, The Conversation, https://theconversation.com/between-trumpism-and-the-eu-giorgia-meloni-and-the-path-ahead-for-italy-248070, (Date Accession: 31.01.2025).
[ii] Ibid.
[iii] “Telephone conversation between Tajani and Rubio: focus on NATO, Ukraine, Indo-Pacific and Italy-US relations”, Agenzia Nova, https://www.agenzianova.com/en/news/rubio-in-conversation-with-tajani-focus-on-usa-italy-alliance-and-nato-burden-sharing/, (Date Accession: 31.01.2025).
