Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has firmly rejected concerns that President Trump would distance himself from Europe, speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington on Saturday.
During her address, Meloni assured attendees that “Europe is not lost” and emphasized the critical importance of maintaining strong
transatlantic relations despite ideological differences between some European leaders and conservative American politicians.
“Those who hoped for separation between the US and Europe will be proven wrong,” Meloni stated, directly addressing speculation about potential fractures in the transatlantic alliance under a possible second Trump presidency.
Transatlantic Relations at a Crossroads
Meloni’s comments come at a time of uncertainty in US-European relations, with some European officials privately expressing concern about the potential impact of the upcoming US presidential election on NATO and trade relationships.
The Italian leader’s appearance at CPAC, a gathering of conservative activists and politicians from across the United States, signals her willingness to build bridges with American conservatives while representing European interests.
As the leader of Italy’s right-wing government, Meloni occupies a unique position among European leaders, maintaining connections with both traditional European power structures and populist conservative movements in the US.
Defending the Western Alliance
A central theme of Meloni’s speech was the necessity of
US-European cooperation for Western security and prosperity. She stressed that regardless of who occupies the White House, the fundamental strategic partnership between the United States and Europe must remain intact.
“The strength of the West depends on continued cooperation between the US and Europe,” Meloni declared, highlighting shared challenges including economic competition, security threats, and geopolitical pressures.
Her comments reflect growing recognition among European leaders that they must prepare for various election outcomes in the
United States while working to preserve essential transatlantic institutions and agreements.
Italy’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
Meloni’s government has pursued a diplomatic strategy that maintains traditional European alliances while also building relationships with conservative political movements internationally. Her CPAC appearance demonstrates this dual approach.
Since taking office in 2022, Meloni has surprised some observers by adopting relatively mainstream positions on issues like support for Ukraine and commitment to NATO, despite her party’s populist roots.
Political analysts note that Meloni is positioning Italy as a potential bridge between different political factions across the Atlantic, particularly as Europe faces internal divisions on issues ranging from migration to economic policy.
The Italian Prime Minister’s message ultimately aimed to reassure both European and
American audiences that the fundamental alliance between the United States and Europe remains essential, regardless of political shifts on either side of the Atlantic.
