Macron hosts Meloni after Trump rift

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, recently involved in a public disagreement with U.S. leader Donald Trump, is meeting French President Emmanuel Macron on the French Riviera for a summit aimed at deepening bilateral ties. This meeting marks the first Franco-Italian summit since a strategic alliance treaty took effect in 2021, elevating their relationship to a level comparable to that between France and Germany.

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This summit will provide an opportunity to deepen Franco-Italian cooperation in several strategic sectors, notably defence, nuclear energy, and space.

The French presidency stated that the summit, held at the Villa Eilenroc, will focus on enhancing cooperation in key strategic areas, including defense, nuclear energy, and space. Ahead of the talks, the presidency emphasized a mutual need for collaboration, noting, "We need each other."

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We need each other.

Relations between the centrist, pro-European Macron and the right-wing coalition leader Meloni have historically been strained. Despite their differing political ideologies, the leaders have made efforts to ease tensions, including a significant one-on-one meeting in Rome last year. Analysts suggest that Meloni's recent public distancing from Trump, whom she accused of "constant, unprovoked attacks," could create an opening for improved relations with Macron.

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There will be photos, they'll kiss each other warmly on both cheeks, and she'll stop sulking when she sees Macron.

Marc Lazar, an expert on Italy at Sciences Po in Paris, commented that the leaders would likely focus on building upon a nascent rapprochement. He noted that Meloni's shift away from Trump, who she had previously used to position herself as a bridge to Europe, now forces her to re-engage more closely with the European Union, particularly on defense matters. Sergio Fabbrini, a political science lecturer at Rome's Luiss University, highlighted an "asymmetry" in their positions: Macron is strong in Europe but domestically weaker, while Meloni is strong domestically but weaker in Europe. This dynamic could complicate their discussions, even as they find common ground on issues like opposition to the EU's trade deal with Mercosur, while remaining divided on others, such as migrant detention centers.

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That can only please Emmanuel Macron.