Meloni meets Vance: Future of EU relations under scrutiny!

Meloni meets Vance: Future of EU relations under scrutiny!

On April 18, 2025, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met US Vice President JD Vance at Palazzo Chigi in Rome. The meeting took place a day after Meloni's talks with US President Donald Trump at the White House, where Vance was also present. Meloni expressed his delight at the reception and referred to the exchange in Washington. Vance plans to discuss various key topics such as bilateral relations and trade relations between Italy, the US and the EU.

An important point of discussion will be the situation in Ukraine, with which Vance wants to inform Meloni about the ongoing negotiations. Following the bilateral meeting, a working lunch is planned with Vance and the two Italian deputy prime ministers, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini. Meloni was close to Trump, but also criticized his new tariffs for EU countries. During their discussions there was agreement that freedom of expression and democracy in Europe are declining.

Criticism of Europe

Prime Minister Meloni expressed understanding for Vance's criticism of Europe, which she said had "lost itself a bit". Vance was referring to an earlier statement in which he said at the Munich Security Conference in February that internal threats pose the greatest dangers to European democracy. He also cited mass immigration as a central problem in Europe. Meloni emphasized that it is necessary to recognize reality and find solutions for people instead of ideologies.

Trump praised Meloni after his conversation at the White House and highlighted her positive impression. The relationship between the USA and the EU is also in focus, especially with regard to the transatlantic partnership, which has stood for freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law for 75 years. The US is considered the EU's closest strategic partner and shares common values ​​regarding a rules-based international environment.

Future meetings and engagements

On Easter Sunday, Vance plans to attend Easter Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, amid speculation about a possible meeting with Pope Francis. However, after a serious illness, the Pope only attended a few appointments. Vance, who has an evangelical background, converted to the Catholic faith.

The criticism of the current situation in Europe, heightened by Meloni's and Vance's statements, shows how important a dialogue about democracy and freedom of expression is today. These issues are important not only for the two politicians, but also for the ongoing political challenges in Europe, which have their roots in growing uncertainty and polarization.