• Meloni labels Trump tariff threats “a mistake,” blames communication gap
• Italian PM positions herself as bridge between Washington and EU capitals
• Rome floats 90-day tariff freeze and joint Arctic fund to break impasse

ROME, ITALY (TDR) — Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni positioned herself as a potential bridge between Washington and European capitals on Sunday, calling President Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs over Greenland “a mistake” while suggesting the crisis stems from a “communication breakdown” rather than fundamental disagreement among allies.

Speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting, Meloni revealed she had spoken with Trump earlier in the week and offered Rome’s mediation services, arguing that economic coercion against allies “fixes nothing and breaks everything.”

“This is not about choosing sides. It’s about choosing common sense over conflict,” Meloni said. “We can solve this with dialogue, not duties.”

Communication Gap, Not Clash

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Meloni’s analysis marks a shift from the fiery rhetoric of recent days. She argued that Trump’s tariff threats—25% levies on cars, steel and select foods from eight European nations—stem from “misunderstood signals” rather than deep strategic rift.

“Sometimes allies speak past each other. My job is to translate,” she quipped, adding that Rome’s close ties to both Washington and Brussels place it “in the perfect middle.”

“The President wants security. Europe wants sovereignty. Those are not opposites—they’re synonyms if we talk,” Meloni told Italian reporters.

Rome’s Bridge Plan

Meloni floated a three-point compromise:

1. 90-day tariff freeze while negotiators meet;
2. Joint EU-US Arctic Infrastructure Fund (€10 billion) to invest in Greenland ports, broadband and green energy;
3. Permanent Greenland Dialogue Forum under NATO auspices to discuss mineral projects and security.

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Italian diplomats have already circulated a two-page non-paper to capitals, proposing Rome host the first forum in October.

Capitals Cautious but Intrigued

EU sources say Paris and Berlin are “open but not yet convinced,” while smaller states welcome any off-ramp. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen tweeted:

“Good friends offer bridges. We are listening.”

However, Commission trade chief Maroš Šefčovič warned that any pause must be “unconditional and verifiable,” not simply a delay while Washington prepares duties.

Business Backs Bridge

Italian industry lobbies immediately endorsed Meloni’s stance. Confindustria CEO Carlo Bonomi said:

“Markets hate uncertainty. A 90-day truce gives everyone breathing space.”

Italian prosecco exporters—facing a 25% U.S. levy—say even a temporary freeze would prevent a 30% sales drop this holiday season.

Domestic Politics

Meloni’s mediation push also serves domestic interests. Her coalition needs to keep small exporters happy while fending off opposition claims she is “Trump’s doormat.”

League leader Matteo Salvini—who previously praised Trump’s “economic patriotism”—backed the bridge plan, saying:

“Dialogue is patriotic if it saves Italian jobs.”

Centre-left Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein grudgingly endorsed the offer but demanded parliamentary oversight of any deal.

Trump’s Reaction

White House sources said Trump “listened politely” during the call but gave no commitment. One aide told TDR the President is “intrigued by the fund idea” but wants European defence spending guarantees first.

“If Europe wants peace, it must pay for its own shield,” the aide summarised.

Washington has not withdrawn the tariff threat, keeping markets on edge.

Next Steps

Meloni will host Danish PM Mette Frederiksen and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Rome on 28 July to flesh out the Arctic fund. Meanwhile, Italian diplomats are drafting language for a joint EU-US statement that would:

• freeze tariff procedures for 90 days;
• launch the Greenland Infrastructure Fund;
• create a NATO-hosted dialogue forum.

If accepted, the package could be announced at the G-20 trade ministers’ meeting in September.

Market Reaction

Italian bond yields fell 4 basis points on the news, while prosecco futures rebounded 1.8%. The euro gained 0.2% as investors priced in lower U.S.–EU trade tension.

Risk of Failure

Brussels warns that if Washington rejects the bridge, the EU will activate its Anti-Coercion Instrument within 48 hours, imposing 25% duties on bourbon, Harleys and Maine lobster.

“We have a plan B, but we prefer plan A,” said Commission VP Valdis Dombrovskis.

Will Meloni’s olive branch persuade Washington to stand down, or will Rome’s bridge collapse under the weight of Atlantic mistrust?

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