Donald Trump says he is sure “100 %” that an agreement on customs duties will be reached with the EU

Donald Trump said he was sure “100 %” That an agreement on customs duties with the European Union will be concluded, receiving Italian leader on Thursday, April 17, Giorgia Meloni, pressed by Brussels to speak on behalf of the Twenty-seven. The Italian Prime Minister spoke in one voice at the start of the game in Washington, also saying herself “Certain” that an agreement will be reached.

The chief of the far -right coalition in power in Rome, however, said “Not being able to negotiate on behalf of the European Union”while relations between the EU the United States has been tense since the trade war launched by the American president and his use of customs duties at all-via. Donald Trump ” accepted an invitation for an official visit to Rome in the near future ”, said Giorgia Meloni at a press conference in the oval office after their meeting, adding that he ” plan[e] The possibility of also meeting Europe on this occasion ”.

In the midst of a trade war, the European Central Bank (ECB) has just announced a drop of 0.25 point of key rates to strengthen the economy of the euro zone. Its president, Christine Lagarde, said on Thursday that the ECB should “To face the unpredictable” and to show up ” agile “ Faced with the uncertain economic context.

“Very special relationship”

Relations between Giorgia Meloni and Donald Trump, who share a large ideological base, are known to be very good. The Italian Prime Minister, described as “Fantastic leader” By the Republican, had been the only leader of the EU to have been invited in January to his nomination.

Emphasizing this “Very special relationship”senior US officials have estimated that M^me Meloni could serve as an intermediary for an agreement between Europe and the United States. “We hope the Prime Minister [italienne] and the president [américain] will be able to get things done ”said a Trump administration manager to journalists before the meeting. “We are open, we are available, we are ready to conclude agreements with countries that take this seriously. We hope that Italy and the EU will be part of it ”he added.

The American president, Donald Trump, has set up new customs duties, in force since April 5, of at least 10 % on all the products entering the United States, and up to 145 % on Chinese products.

Dependent on the exports of its industry, which weighs almost a quarter of its GDP, M^me Meloni criticized this price offensive while playing dialogue and exhorting Brussels not to take retaliatory measures.

Disturbing proximity to Europe

His step of two and his proximity to Donald Trump, however, worry his European partners, like the Minister of French Industry, Marc Ferracci, who said he feared, when the visit of M^me Meloni in Washington, which she does not go alone.

“I feel no pressure”joked M^me Meloni Tuesday evening, on the sidelines of a ceremony in front of business leaders. “I am aware of what I represent and I am aware of what I defend. »» Italy achieves more than 10 % of its exports to the United States, the third trading partner in the peninsula. 10 % of Germany exports are also made in the United States, and 7 % of French exports.

“We absolutely must avoid a pricing war”pleaded the Minister of Italian industry, Adolfo Urso, adding that M^me Meloni would look for Washington at “Convince everyone of the need to discuss”.