Minister Tajani, we are witnessing an unprecedented clash: President Trump mocking the Prime Minister, who responds harshly, and you yourself cancelling your participation in the American Business Forum in Miami. Then more back-and-forth. And yesterday, President Trump attacked again. Where are we now?
“At the point where we need to tone it down and work. Foreign policy is not made with insults and the latest unmotivated attacks, to which we were justified in responding. Being a loyal ally of the United States, as we are, does not mean giving up our sovereignty: we are subjects of no one. Now we need to avoid all this turning into political, economic, and diplomatic damage: Italy and Europe need a solid relationship with the USA, just as the USA needs Europe and Italy.”
Was it a political clash – Trump wants more from Italy on wars, defence – or also a personal one?
“Relations between countries matter. There have been political demands: more defence spending, more support for certain initiatives in the Middle East. Italy, however, makes decisions based on its own interests, its Constitution, and its international positioning and standing.
What is left?
“The traditional relationship with the United States, our strategic ally, and the awareness that this relationship needs to be managed maturely. Many Italian companies work in America and with the USA, with mutual benefits.”
Prime Minister Meloni considers the dispute over. But is it a stalemate that can be overcome politically?
“Prime Minister Meloni defended Italy and did well. As Foreign Minister, I will make it clear to the Americans that Italy must be respected and any misunderstandings need to be resolved. We are a bridge in the Mediterranean, Europe’s second industrial power, the world’s fourth largest trader, an essential partner in Africa, the Balkans, and the Middle East.”
What can Italy “offer” the United States compared to what President Trump demands?
“Italy does not offer. And I hope the United States does not demand anything. Let us work together to make energy supplies safer, to reduce dependence on unstable areas, and to develop new technologies.”
Will you see Secretary Rubio? Are you making plans, or will the meeting be in Ankara for the NATO Summit?
“Contacts with Secretary Rubio have never been interrupted. Our relationship is frank. I informed him of the decision not to go to the Forum in Miami, but we will see each other at the NATO Summit in Ankara.”
Will you be at Villa Taverna on July 4?
“I will go, with my head held high, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the independence of a great, free and democratic country: the other face of the West, which must remain united. Italy is a friend of the American people. It was so with Reagan, Bush Sr. and Jr., Clinton, Obama, and Biden. It is still so. And we are proud that millions of Italian-Americans have contributed to making America great.”
Prime Minister Meloni has been criticized for having given in too much to the American President. You and Forza Italia have always remained more cautious vis-à-vis President Trump, while reaffirming the traditional alliance. Is Italy repositioning itself?
“I believe no one in the government has ever confused the alliance with the American people, with the United States, with personal allegiance to a leader. Atlanticism is not Trumpism, Bidenism, or Obamaism. It is a strategic choice of sides. No repositioning. I would call it a clear policy line: friendship with the United States, Italian sovereignty, and more Europe within NATO.”
So, how can Europe respond, given that the military alliance appears to be increasingly strained?
“To count, Europe needs a common foreign and defence policy and an integrated industry. NATO is essential, but within NATO, the European pillar must be as strong as the American one. Italy can play a leading role in this process because it has a unique geographical, industrial, and diplomatic position: it has always been second to none in the deployment of its military, as demonstrated by the high cost in human lives. Today, it ensures the West’s presence in sub-Saharan Africa, Niger, Djibouti, Somalia, the Balkans, Lebanon, the Red Sea, not to mention NATO’s Eastern Front.
What consequences can the cancellation of the Miami Business Forum have? Many companies have relations with the Unites States.
“The cancellation of the meeting was a signal, not a whim but a response to an unjustified attack by President Trump. We will continue to work on the dossiers and will sign the one on raw materials, which is crucial for our industrial system.”
Italy has surpassed Japan in exports, also thanks in part to US data. How do you explain this?
“I explain it with the strength of our companies, which sell to the United States because they produce quality, technology, beauty, and reliability. Not just fashion or agri-food. We sell products of the machinery, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, marine industry, components, design, and high-tech sectors. Growth diplomacy, supported by the Foreign Ministry’s reform and a strategic export plan, serves to open markets and support businesses. The result is that our exports have surpassed those of Japan, despite wars and tariffs. In this, we are also helped by the 20 million Italian-Americans in the USA who love our country.”
The wars in Iran, Lebanon, and Ukraine show no sign of abating. How much does the energy crisis impact Italian accounts and finance? Are Italians’ lives improving or worsening under your government?
“We have implemented measures on utility bills, a solid energy strategy, a return to next-generation nuclear power, more renewables, infrastructure, and diversification. Italy continues to export and attract investment. Now we need to put more money in paychecks, reduce taxes on the middle class, help young people, support companies that hire, and encourage private investment to foster growth and innovation. The CGIA of Mestre has already certified a €33 billion reduction in tax burden on families and small companies with our government’s measures, as well as an increase in tax revenue thanks to 1.2 million more jobs, in addition to the reduction in the spread and a record growth of the stock market.”
