ROME, Jan 22 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are building a new transatlantic alliance, with Meloni emerging as a key ally after her recent meetings with Trump in Florida.
Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli commented on the importance of this relationship: "Trump has chosen her for credibility, reliability, and for the stability of our government as the preferred interlocutor in the EU."
Meloni's alignment with Trump could potentially benefit Italy due to its trade surplus with the United States. However, there are concerns about the impact on Italy's relations with the rest of the European Union. Francesco Galietti, founder of political risk firm Policy Sonar, highlighted the delicate balance Meloni faces: "She hopes that having Trump's ear will prove valuable but risks isolating herself in Europe."
Despite Meloni's transition from leading an ultranationalist party to heading a stable government, analysts believe her eurosceptic tendencies may prevail. Nathalie Tocci from the think-tank Istituto Affari Internazionali cautioned that Meloni may prioritize national interests over European interests.
Meloni and Trump have shared mutual admiration, with Trump praising Meloni as a "fantastic woman" and Meloni lauding Trump's geopolitical skills. They have both emphasized the importance of defending Western interests in the face of global challenges.
In addition to her ties with Trump, Meloni has a relationship with Elon Musk and has engaged in discussions regarding a potential contract for the Starlink satellite system, sparking debates about the balance between national and European interests.
As Italy navigates its relationship with the United States under a new administration, Meloni's positioning as a key figure in transatlantic affairs will be closely watched.