Tajani – He is a friend of Italy. Avoid a clash on tariffs. (Corriere della Sera)

ROME Italian Deputy Prime Minister Tajani did not speak out on the eve of the election, let alone in favour of Trump. Today, when asked about his thoughts on the results of the US presidential election, he replied, "The US is a great democracy. I am happy that the people of the United States have made a clear decision on who to trust for the next four years. I am glad that the decision was made peacefully, serenely, and without clashes. The new President has been elected by a clear majority of voters and electors - there is no uncertainty as to what the American people have chosen."

What is your opinion of Trump?

"He is a friend of Italy, and Italian Americans are a powerful link between our nation and the new President. I am sure that the Italian government and the new American administration will be able to work together to protect our peoples."

What will change in US-Italian relations?

"I would go so far as to say 'nothing', since relations between the US and Italy are so deep, complex, and important that nothing can weaken them. However, it is clear that Trump has won thanks to messages of radical change. The first change he would like to bring about is not ideological or merely political, but concerns trade relations with countries such as China, and also with allies such as EU countries."

Trump will impose tariffs.

"His position has been clear for months - to use tariffs to reduce the US trade deficit with foreign countries, effectively raising duties by 10% or 20%. As far as China is concerned, there has even been talk of 60% duties on all their products. Also for European countries that are net exporters to the US (Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands), the new administration would like these penalties to range from 10% to 20%."

Should Italy and Europe impose tariffs on American goods?

"We should avoid a clash on tariffs through talks and negotiations - EU-US trade in 2023 was close to EUR 850 billion, with a trade balance in favour of Europe of EUR 156 billion. Italy alone had a positive balance of EUR 40 billion in 2023; the US is our second largest market after Germany. Exports are the very fabric of Italy's life. Trump has always looked to Italy with a keen eye, going so far as to make different choices for us compared to other countries."

What will you do as Minister of Foreign Affairs?

"I plan to begin work immediately with the new administration to discuss trade and economic relations, in addition to transatlantic relations. I would like to thank Secretary of State Blinken for the good work we have done together. This shows that the strong friendship between Italy and the US is not tied to any political alignments."

What will change in the Middle East and Ukraine?

"I hope that we can eventually have a peace conference for Ukraine, one that involves Russia and China, as well as European and American partners. We can work hand in hand with the US to defend the right of Israel to exist and that of the Palestinian people to have a state, as we always have."

Yesterday, Salvini said that arms supplies to Ukraine could be stopped. Do you agree?

"Salvini did not say that. He said that he is waiting for the moment when arms supplies can be stopped. I also expect peace between Russia and Ukraine soon. Beware, Trump has said he wants peace now, but his plans include new, much stronger sanctions against Putin's people. if necessary. Italy was able to supply arms to Ukraine under a united NATO and EU. The goal was for Ukraine to be able to defend itself, so that a just peace could be achieved, rather than defeat. Trump's agenda is exactly that, he will act in his own way."

Trump wants allied countries to spend more on NATO. Is Italy ready?

"We are working to increase military spending, but the new European stability pact imposes constraints on us. That is why we are asking the EU to decouple defence commitments from the stability pact. Just yesterday, the new EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said that he looks favourably on Italy's proposal. Our commitment to NATO and Defence is not only economic in nature, but mainly concerns our military presence in crisis areas. We will certainly be able to explain this well to all our allies."

Is Europe weaker?

"The Trump presidency could accelerate a number of political dynamics. My answer is that we need Europe to be stronger and better. Europe must be able to play a greater political role in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Africa. It should do so together with the US, which must not neglect areas that are fundamental for the stability of the West. Europe must have the political courage and strength to equip itself with a common defence, creating a European pole of the Atlantic Alliance and promoting the political dignity of our continent. This would also allow NATO and the US to become stronger, without Europe being forced to resort to the American support."

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