The Litmus Test: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
All eyes are on Meloni, who has developed a unique relationship with Trump while also significantly influencing the EU’s foreign affairs policy as part of a group of major economies. When she aligns with those advocating for more assertiveness, it’s a clear indication that Trump might have overstepped.
Meloni spoke with the president over the weekend by phone. “Our goal is not to fight with the Americans,” her foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, conveyed to POLITICO following the conversation, suggesting a “win-win” resolution could be achieved.
While Meloni is often hesitant to give up her communication channel with the White House, it is anticipated that she will eventually align with her European partners. “Meloni understands. She is serious,” a senior diplomat noted, suggesting that if her connection with Trump doesn’t yield results, there’s little advantage in maintaining it.
Another cautious figure at the Council table is Dick Schoof, the prime minister of the Netherlands, who has been hesitant to openly criticize Trump, despite his country’s vulnerability to new tariff threats. The Dutch government has stressed the importance of addressing the Greenland issue without escalating tensions.
The Undecided: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk
A long-standing pro-EU politician, Tusk faces a challenging moment — balancing public opinion and a Trump-friendly president in Warsaw.
Along with the Baltic nations, Poland borders Russia and relies on Washington to maintain its military presence in the region.
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