Italian Premier Meloni Clarifies Role in Bilateral Talks: “I Don’t Represent the EU”
Rome, Italy – April 10, 2025, 3:07 AM PDT
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed visible relief on Wednesday as she distanced herself from representing the European Union during an upcoming meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, emphasizing that the engagement is strictly bilateral. Speaking to reporters ahead of the talks, scheduled amidst escalating global trade tensions, Meloni said, “It’s a bilateral, I do not represent the EU,” a statement that underscores Italy’s delicate balancing act between national interests and its EU commitments.
The clarification follows a flurry of speculation about Meloni’s role, sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent tariff maneuvers—pausing most levies for 90 days while hiking duties on China to 125%. With the EU contemplating its own response to the U.S.-China trade war, Meloni’s words aim to sidestep any perception that she’s negotiating on Brussels’ behalf. “This is about Italy and China, nothing more,” she reiterated, per La Stampa, as she prepares to address trade imbalances and secure economic ties with Beijing.
Italy’s economic stakes are high. The country’s 2025 growth forecast was slashed to 0.6% in the latest DEF, with exports—a lifeline amid stagnant domestic growth—vulnerable to Trump’s policies. Meloni’s government has faced criticism for its handling of trade relations, with opposition leaders like Elly Schlein accusing her of lacking a cohesive strategy. Her meeting with Li comes as China retaliates with an 84% tariff on U.S. goods, potentially opening doors for Italian exports if relations warm.
Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some users praising Meloni’s pragmatic approach, while others question her sidestepping EU unity. The bilateral focus may shield her from broader geopolitical fallout, but as Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti warned of a “complex situation” this week, Meloni’s sigh of relief may be short-lived in a world of shifting alliances and economic uncertainty.