Introduction: US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Rome on April 18, 2025, for high-stakes talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, aiming to ease tensions over US-EU tariffs and address the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The visit, which includes Easter celebrations at the Vatican and a meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, underscores the growing alignment between conservative leaders in the US and Italy. However, Meloni’s solo diplomacy with the Trump administration has sparked concerns among EU allies about bloc unity, while differing views on Ukraine highlight deeper transatlantic divides.
Trade Talks and Tariff Tensions
Vance’s meeting with Meloni at 11:00 AM (0900 GMT) focused on negotiating a potential US-EU trade deal to avert President Donald Trump’s threatened 20% tariffs on EU exports. Italy, the world’s fourth-largest exporter, sends 10% of its goods to the US, making it particularly vulnerable to trade disruptions. Meloni, who met Trump in Washington on April 17, 2025, has positioned herself as a key intermediary, leveraging her conservative alignment with Trump to de-escalate the tariff threat. During their Oval Office meeting, Trump praised Meloni as “fantastic” and suspended the tariffs for 90 days, expressing confidence in reaching a deal with the EU.
However, Meloni’s proactive engagement has raised eyebrows among EU partners, who fear her bilateral approach could undermine the 27-nation bloc’s unified stance. The EU has accused the US of attempting to “screw” its economy, a sentiment Trump dismissed while claiming he was in “no rush” to finalize a deal. The Rome talks between Vance and Meloni aim to build on this momentum, with Italy advocating for a broader EU-US agreement to protect its export-driven economy.
Ukraine War: A Point of Contention
Diverging Views on Ukraine: The Russia-Ukraine war remains a contentious issue between the US and Italian leaders. Meloni has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion, condemning Moscow’s recent Palm Sunday attack on Sumy as “horrible and vile.” In contrast, Trump and Vance have pivoted toward Moscow, criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During a February 2025 meeting, Trump expressed frustration with Zelensky, blaming him for the war’s continuation and stating he was “not a big fan.”
Vance’s earlier speech at the Munich Security Conference in February 2025 further highlighted these tensions, as he criticized EU cultural policies and urged the bloc to take greater responsibility for its security. His Rome visit, however, seeks to mend fences, with Meloni emphasizing their shared goal to “make the West great again.” Despite this, Italy’s unwavering support for Ukraine contrasts with the Trump administration’s push for a swift resolution, potentially at Ukraine’s expense.
Vatican Visit and Broader Context
Vance, a Catholic convert since his mid-30s, is accompanied by his wife and three children to celebrate Easter at the Vatican on April 20, 2025. His meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, underscores the trip’s religious and diplomatic significance. The Vatican has consistently called for peace in Ukraine, aligning more closely with Meloni’s stance than the US’s current approach.
Critically, Vance’s visit reflects the complex interplay of trade, security, and ideology in US-EU relations. Meloni’s alignment with Trump risks alienating EU allies, particularly France and Germany, who advocate for a collective response to both the tariff threat and the Ukraine crisis. The US’s pivot toward Russia, coupled with its tariff pressure, could strain transatlantic ties further. Meanwhile, Meloni’s charm offensive highlights Italy’s strategic need to protect its economy while maintaining its commitment to Ukraine.
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