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Inside Meloni’s plan to sweet-talk Trump on tariffs

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By illuminem briefings

· 3 min read


illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on POLITICO or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni travels to Washington this week with a high-stakes mission: to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump to reconsider sweeping new tariffs that could severely impact European exports
With Trump threatening to impose 20% duties on EU goods, Meloni’s strong personal rapport with the U.S. leader positions her as a potential mediator between Washington and Brussels

🔭 The context: Trump's trade stance has reignited fears of a transatlantic trade war
The EU currently faces a baseline 10% tariff, with additional 25% levies on steel, aluminum, and autos
While previous EU overtures have failed, Meloni’s ideological proximity and open diplomatic channel with Trump — who has publicly praised her — may offer a new negotiating pathway
Italy’s trade surplus with the U.S., valued at nearly €40 billion, is especially vulnerable, putting Meloni under significant domestic pressure to secure relief

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Trade tensions have wide-reaching implications for the green transition
Tariffs on key industrial goods can slow investment in clean technologies, increase costs for sustainable infrastructure, and strain EU-U.S. cooperation on climate initiatives
A fragmented approach also risks undercutting the EU’s internal cohesion on environmental trade policies, such as carbon border adjustment mechanisms and green industrial subsidies

⏭️ What's next: Meloni will meet Trump on Thursday, followed by hosting U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Rome
While no immediate breakthrough is expected, her visit could lay the groundwork for more constructive talks
Brussels, despite initial skepticism, is supporting her mission as a potential opening to delay or defuse the tariff threat
The next three months will be critical as EU leaders attempt to realign trade diplomacy and avert escalating economic fallout

💬 One quote: “Meloni’s trip to Washington right now is an important signal… she has a good connection to U.S. President Trump, which she can now put to the service of Europe.” – Johann Wadephul, German Christian Democrats

📈 One stat: Italy ranks third in the EU for trade surplus with the U.S., after Germany and Ireland, highlighting its high exposure to new American tariffs

See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance of Italgas and its peers: Enel Group and Hera

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illuminem's editorial team, providing you with concise summaries of the most important sustainability news of the day. Follow us on Linkedin, Twitter​ & Instagram

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