**Meloni's Diplomatic Balancing Act: Aims for EU Unity in Meeting with Trump**

Giorgia Meloni is set to navigate complex trade discussions in the face of rising tariffs that threaten Italy's economy during her pivotal meeting with former President Trump.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is embarking on a critical mission to the United States, where she will meet with former President Donald Trump at a time of escalating trade tensions. Representing the European Union's interests while maintaining a good rapport with Trump will pose a significant challenge for Meloni, who is the first European leader to visit Washington since Trump announced a potential 20% tariff on EU goods earlier this month.

This tariff hike has already had a detrimental effect on Italy's economy, causing the government to halve its growth projections as over 10% of its exports—valued at approximately €67 billion—are directed to the U.S., making it Italy's third largest non-EU trading partner. "We understand the difficulty of the current situation," Meloni stated in anticipation of the trip, expressing her commitment to advocate for her nation's economic stability.

Meloni finds herself in a unique position. She is ideologically aligned with Trump, sharing viewpoints on immigration and globalism, and has focused on maintaining a positive relationship with him, even praising his past governance. Observers suggest she aims to promote a "zero-for-zero" tariff agreement beneficial to all EU members during her discussions.

Political analysts note that Meloni's approach has sparked concerns among some European leaders, particularly after France's Industry Minister expressed skepticism about bilateral negotiations with Trump, highlighting potential divisions within the EU. Critics worry that Meloni may be tempted to sidestep EU consensus, while her government insists she will advocate for collective European interests.

Further complicating the political landscape, U.S. Vice-President JD Vance is scheduled to visit Italy around the same time, adding another layer of attention to Meloni's strategic maneuvering. Her allies in the Italian Parliament have expressed support, viewing her U.S. engagement as a testament to her leadership, while opposition voices caution that she risks overcommitting to Trump’s agenda at the expense of broader EU goals.

As Meloni sets off, her remarks suggest the gravity of her undertaking. She acknowledged the pressure of the upcoming discussions, pointing out that key economic issues hang in the balance while emphasizing her determination to find common ground with the U.S. on trade, particularly in defense and energy sectors. The hope remains that her presence in Washington can foster a unified EU strategy while mitigating the impact of rising tariffs on Italy's economy.