ROME — Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will defy the European Union next week, traveling to the U.S. to negotiate a trade deal on Italy’s terms, a move that has sparked alarm in Brussels. The decision, announced Thursday, underscores rising tensions within the EU and Italy’s push for economic autonomy under Meloni’s nationalist leadership.
As an EU member, Italy is barred from negotiating bilateral trade deals, with the European Commission handling such talks for the bloc. But Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy, aims to secure better terms for Italian exports like wine and machinery, bypassing EU protocol. The U.S., a key market with over $100 billion in annual trade with Italy, offers a potential lifeline for the country’s struggling economy.
Meloni’s defiance comes amid global trade upheaval, following the Trump administration’s recent 104% tariffs on Chinese imports and China’s 84% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. Italy, the EU’s third-largest economy, has faced sluggish growth and high debt, making a U.S. deal appealing. A successful agreement could lower tariffs, boost Italian businesses, and strengthen Meloni’s domestic support by showing she’s putting Italy first.
But the move risks severe backlash. The EU could hit Italy with legal action or sanctions for violating trade rules, potentially straining the bloc’s unity. France and Germany, key EU players, may see Italy’s actions as a betrayal, while smaller nations might follow suit, further fracturing the EU’s collective bargaining power. The U.S., meanwhile, could exploit the rift, demanding concessions that might hurt Italy long-term, such as opening its agricultural market to American products.
Meloni’s gamble reflects a broader trend of nationalist leaders challenging global institutions, echoing moves like Trump’s tariffs and the UK’s Brexit. It also ties into U.S. domestic shifts, like the SAVE Act and Senator Mike Lee’s USAID funding proposal, which prioritize national interests. For the EU, Italy’s defiance tests its ability to maintain cohesion amid external pressures.
As Meloni prepares for her U.S. trip, the stakes are high. A favorable deal could bolster Italy’s economy, but failure—or EU retaliation—might weaken her government and strain ties with Brussels. The outcome will shape U.S.-EU relations and could set a precedent for other EU nations to break ranks, reshaping global trade dynamics. For now, Meloni’s bold move has put Italy at the center of a brewing international storm.
