Meloni meets Vance: Future of EU relationships to the test!

Meloni meets Vance: Future of EU relationships to the test!

Rom, Italien - On April 18, 2025, the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met the US Vice President JD Vance in the Palazzo Chigi in Rome. The meeting took place a day after Meloni's conversations with US President Donald Trump in the White House, where Vance was also present. Meloni was pleased with the reception and referred to the exchange in Washington. Vance plans to discuss various central topics such as bilateral relationships and trade relationships between Italy, the USA and the EU.

An important point of the discussion will be the situation in Ukraine, with which Vance Meloni would like to inform about the ongoing negotiations. Following the bilateral meeting, a work dinner with Vance and the two Italian vice primeers, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and the Minister of Transport Matteo Salvini are planned. Meloni has been on close to Trump, but also criticized his new tariffs for EU countries. There was agreement on their conversations that freedom of expression and democracy decreased in Europe.

criticism of Europe

Prime Minister Meloni expressed understanding of the criticism of Vance to Europe, which in her opinion "lost a bit". Vance referred to an earlier statement in which he explained at the Munich Security Conference in February that internal threats were the greatest dangers to European democracy. In addition, he named mass immigration as a central problem in Europe. Meloni emphasized that it was necessary to recognize reality and instead of finding solutions for people.

Trump praised Meloni after his conversation in the White House and emphasized her positive impression. The focus is also on the relationship between the USA and the EU, especially with regard to the transatlantic partnership, which has been for freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law for 75 years. The United States is considered the closest strategic partner of the EU and share common values ​​in relation to a regular international environment.

future meetings and engagements

for Easter Sunday, Vance plans to visit the Easter mass in St. Peter's Basilica, there is speculation about a possible encounter with Pope Francis. After a serious illness, however, the Pope noticed only a few appointments. Vance, who has the evangelical background, has passed to the Catholic faith.

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