Trump's 30% tariffs: tensions between Meloni and the Elysée Palace, the League blames the EU.

The Trump administration's announcement of 30% tariffs has reignited diplomatic tensions between Italy, France, and the European Union. Giorgia Meloni expressed irritation at the Elysée Palace's reaction, deeming it uncooperative and insensitive to Italian interests. Meanwhile, the League has pointed the finger at Brussels, accusing the European Union of failing to adequately defend Italy against US protectionist measures.

The political clash reflects the difficulties of a common European response to growing American trade pressure.

Trump's 30% tariffs: Meloni criticizes the Elysée Palace

The Trump administration's announcement of 30% tariffs has reignited diplomatic tensions between Italy, France, and the European Union. Giorgia Meloni expressed irritation at the Elysée Palace's reaction, deeming it uncooperative and insensitive to Italian interests.

"Even today, the government is in close contact with the European Commission and all the stakeholders involved in the tariff negotiations. A trade war within the West would weaken us all in the face of the global challenges we face together. Europe has the economic and financial strength to assert its arguments and secure a fair and common-sense agreement. Italy will do its part. As always ," reads a statement from Palazzo Chigi.

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil emphasized in an interview with the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper that decisive countermeasures will be necessary to counter US tariffs if a fair agreement with Washington is not reached. Klingbeil emphasized the importance of pursuing serious, solution-oriented negotiations with the United States, but warned that, should they fail, the European Union must intervene to protect European jobs and businesses.

Emmanuel Macron , in a post on X, expressed France's and the European Commission President's shared strong disapproval of the announcement of 30% horizontal tariffs on European exports to the United States starting August 1. Macron recalled that this decision came after weeks of intense negotiation by the Commission, based on a solid and good faith offer. He then urged Brussels to react firmly , stressing that, in the spirit of European unity, it is up to the Commission to demonstrate the Union's determination to defend European interests.

Finally, the French President called for the preparation of credible countermeasures to be accelerated, using all available tools, including anti-coercion, if an agreement is not reached by August 1st. He reiterated France's full support for the Commission in negotiations aimed at finding a mutually acceptable solution, while respecting trade relations and integrated value chains between Europe and the United States.

Trump's 30% tariffs: the League points the finger at the EU.

Meanwhile, the League has pointed the finger at Brussels, accusing the European Union of failing to adequately defend Italy against US protectionist measures. The political clash reflects the difficulties of a common European response to growing American trade pressure. Matteo Salvini 's party has argued that Trump has no reason to target Italy, while a German-led Europe would pay the price.

According to the League, instead of threatening retaliation that could be ridiculous overseas, European Commission President von der Leyen should eliminate excessive EU bureaucracy , which represents the real burden penalizing Italian companies, as demonstrated by the negative effects of the Green Deal ideology.