Giorgia Meloni Navigates Complex Relations During Meeting with Keir Starmer
Laura Gozzi
Europe Correspondent
In an important diplomatic engagement, Keir Starmer and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni gathered in Downing Street for a bilateral discussion ahead of a larger summit involving other leaders from Europe scheduled for later today.
Meloni finds herself in a precarious situation.
She has nurtured a close relationship with the Trump administration, garnering acknowledgment from the former U.S. president on multiple occasions. Just last week, she delivered a video address to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), which is closely aligned with Trump’s interests. Furthermore, this week she refrained from joining fellow EU leaders in posting support for Ukrainian President Zelensky following his recent tensions with Trump.
Despite her ties to right-wing political currents, since assuming office in 2022, Meloni has distinguished herself as an ardent advocate for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
This stance often sets her apart from other like-minded European figures—such as Viktor Orban of Hungary—who have urged the EU to mirror U.S. approaches and renew dialogues with Moscow.
In light of these circumstances, it appears that Meloni may be attempting to carve out a unique role; one that positions her as a mediator between pro-U.S. sentiments and broader European backing for Ukraine’s cause.
