Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hosted an important trilateral meeting in Rome, bringing together U.S. Vice President JD Vance and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. She described the event as the start of a “new beginning” in diplomatic relations.
This meeting marked a significant moment for Meloni, who has often been seen as someone who could help strengthen ties between the Trump-led U.S. administration and European leaders. However, she had yet to make major progress, especially as her relationships with some EU countries had become strained.
A Symbolic Step for Meloni
Speaking to reporters before the meeting began, Meloni said, “I am very proud to host two of the leaders of the EU and the U.S. to start a dialogue.” She mentioned that she had suggested this kind of meeting about a month ago during her visit to Washington, where she met former President Donald Trump.
She added, “I hope that today can be a first meeting and a new beginning.” Although trade issues are mainly handled by the EU Commission, she explained that Italy’s role was to support and encourage open communication.
Vance Praises Meloni’s Efforts
JD Vance, representing the U.S., complimented Meloni for building stronger transatlantic ties. He said she had become “a good friend” and that she was working hard to “act as a bridge builder between Europe and the United States,” a role supported by both him and Donald Trump.
Vance also admitted that the U.S. and the EU had some differences, especially regarding tariffs. But he emphasized their shared interests: “We also have many things on which we agree.”
Von der Leyen Focuses on Trade and Ukraine
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed hope for resolving trade issues between the U.S. and the EU. She highlighted the importance of their economic partnership, saying the two sides represent “the largest trade exchange in the world.”
On the issue of Ukraine, von der Leyen said both the EU and U.S. share a common goal: “What unites us on Ukraine is the pursuit of a just and lasting peace.” She thanked the United States for its continued efforts to help end the war.
She also pushed for progress in peace talks, saying, “The next week will be crucial.”
Meloni’s Struggle for a Leading Role
For Meloni, the meeting was a relief. She has been facing challenges in gaining influence in European efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine. Recently, she distanced herself from a plan by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that involved sending European troops to Ukraine.
Although she initially joined a video meeting with countries like the UK, France, Germany, and Poland — known as the “coalition of the willing” — she was later left out of a key coordination meeting between those European nations and the U.S. administration.
Tensions rose even further on Friday when French President Emmanuel Macron accused Meloni of sharing “false information” to explain why she missed a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a joint call with Trump.
Analysts Say Meloni Wants Closer U.S. Ties
Political expert Lorenzo Castellani, a professor at LUISS University, said Meloni’s top goal is to stay closely aligned with the U.S.
“Her strategy scored a win on Sunday, as she continues to navigate a delicate balancing act between the EU and the U.S.,” he explained. He noted that Meloni believes Washington must be part of any serious effort to bring peace to Ukraine. Her broader goal is to create a diplomatic solution involving both the U.S. and Europe.
In this context, some analysts believe Meloni could act as a mediator, using Italy’s position to help the EU and U.S. find common ground — not just on Ukraine, but also on trade issues like tariffs.
Rome Becomes Diplomatic Hub
On the same day as the trilateral meeting, Rome became a center of global diplomacy. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with senior U.S. officials and European leaders.
He spoke privately with JD Vance and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the U.S. ambassador’s residence. Earlier, Zelenskyy had attended a special Mass at St. Peter’s Square for the new Pope Leo XIV, which drew many international leaders.
A high-stakes phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was also scheduled for Monday, raising hopes that discussions may help bring an end to the war in Ukraine.
