Trump's cautious optimism on EU trade talks as Meloni mediates
- There will be a trade agreement. I expect it - said President Donald Trump on Thursday, referring to trade relations with the European Union. However, he added that he would not rush it. Last week, Trump suspended tariffs on specific countries for 90 days to negotiate new trade exchange rules during that time.
Trump shared his optimism at the start of a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who travelled to Washington, D.C., to discuss tariffs on the EU and the conflict in Ukraine.
Trump noted that there is no urgency regarding the trade talks and the agreement, stressing that any deal would be balanced. He expressed confidence in reaching agreements with Europe and other partners, and also described Meloni as a remarkable individual, according to Bloomberg.
Giorgia Meloni, in turn, expressed her desire to invite Trump to Italy and organize talks with representatives of the European Commission.
"Valuable interlocutor" with the EU
The visit of the Italian prime minister follows unproductive talks by EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič in Washington, D.C. Giorgia Meloni, who enjoys the favor of the American president, is expected to play a mediating role between the EU and the USA. At least, that's how Italian Minister of Enterprise Adolfo Urso presented the matter in a conversation with "The New York Times." Urso stated that the head of the government in Rome can rely on a "personal relationship" with Trump.
A senior White House official spoke similarly during a press briefing announcing the talks. As he stated, the USA sees Meloni as a "valuable interlocutor" with the EU, who enjoys "very special relations" with Trump. The European Commission, which formally has the exclusive role in EU trade negotiations with third countries, announced that the visit is "closely coordinated" with Brussels.
Meloni was the only European leader who came to Washington, D.C., for Trump's inauguration. She had previously also met him at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. On Friday, the head of government will host U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance in Rome.
Meloni criticized the introduction of tariffs by the USA, and Italy is one of the largest European exporters of goods to America.
Let us recall that on April 9, Trump imposed reciprocal tariffs at various rates on individual countries worldwide. The European Union was subjected to 20-percent tariffs. Later that same day, Trump announced the suspension of the tariffs for 90 days, explaining it as a response to nervous market reactions. This time is to be used for negotiations and the development of new trade rules between the various countries.
However, the 10-percent general tariffs, introduced on April 5 on all countries, remain in effect.
