Italy’s Giorgia Meloni Rejects ‘Childish’ Trump-versus-Europe Choice

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni dismissed the idea that Italy must choose between the U.S. and Europe as ‘childish’ and ‘superficial.’ In her first interview with a foreign newspaper since taking office in 2022, delivered on March 28, 2025, she criticized some European leaders for their overtly political reactions to criticisms from President Trump, while maintaining respect for the United States, Italy’s key ally.

Meloni emphasized her government’s political stability and economic prudence as critical in overcoming trans-Atlantic tensions. She also outlined an alternative security guarantee for Ukraine—proposing the extension of NATO’s mutual defense clause without admitting Ukraine as a full member—in order to avoid provoking Moscow while still providing necessary security measures.