Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The friendship between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and other far-right European politicians with US President Donald Trump will negatively impact European citizens, who will face higher prices due to Trump's tariffs. This is what was stated in a European statement issued in Brussels by the Green Party group in the European Parliament. The statement added, "Far-right leaders Mateusz Morawiecki, president of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), Santiago Abascal of the Spanish Vox party, and Tino Chrupala, co-leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), participated in Trump's inauguration celebrations in Washington in January. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (of the Brothers of Italy, a member of the European Republican and Democratic Party) was the only sitting European leader to attend the ceremony. The statement quoted Vola Tsitsi, co-chair of the European Green Party, as saying, "After President Trump imposed 20% tariffs on European products, the far-right's alliances with Trump will backfire, as European companies will face problems due to Trump's tariffs. The irony is clear: far-right nationalists like Meloni always blame the EU for internal problems." But now, after their alliance with their dear friend Trump has caused historic damage to European family businesses, they are supporting the United States instead of defending their own companies and purchasing power. How will Meloni explain to Italian winemakers that she danced with the devil and that he is now destroying Italian family businesses? Ciaran Coffey, co-chair of the European Green Party, added: “When European farmers’ exports are falling sharply, remember who cheered Trump on at his inauguration: his far-right friends from Italy, Spain, and Poland—Meloni, Abascal, and Morawiecki. From hugs to tariffs: cozying up to far-right leaders comes at a high price for Europe. These far-rightists like to call themselves “patriots.” The question is: for which country?
Now, in the face of this trade war initiated by Trump, the EU must remain united and support the most affected member states. A joint approach is essential to prevent division and protect our economy, our citizens, and the climate transition.
The United States is the largest market for Italian wine, with exports reaching €1.9 billion in 2024, equivalent to 24% of Italy's total global wine exports. The United States is the second largest market for Spanish olive oil, with a trade value of over $600 million.