Meloni Navigates a Complex Landscape During Meeting with Starmer
By Laura Gozzi, Europe Correspondent 
Keir Starmer, the leader of the UK Labour Party, is currently hosting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Downing Street. This meeting serves as a precursor to a larger gathering featuring various European leaders later today.
The Balancing Act of PM Meloni
Prime Minister Meloni finds herself in a particularly precarious position amid mounting geopolitical tensions.
Her political affiliations lean towards the Trump administration, which has consistently expressed admiration for her leadership. Just last week, she addressed the conservative CPAC conference via video message—a move showcasing her alignment with American right-wing politics. Additionally, this week she refrained from joining other EU leaders in voicing support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his recent disputes with Trump.
Despite these ties, since taking office in 2022, Meloni has emerged as an outspoken advocate for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. Her position on this matter distinguishes her from certain European counterparts who share similar ideological roots; notably Viktor Orban of Hungary has publicly called for renewed dialogue between the EU and Moscow following US approaches.
A Potential Third Way?
This dynamic suggests that Meloni may be attempting to carve out a unique diplomatic role—one that seeks to connect both U.S. and EU factions that are united in backing Ukraine’s efforts against Russian aggression. This delicate balancing act could redefine her leadership strategy within Europe at an unprecedented time.
