Macron Hosts Meloni For Riviera Talks After Italian PM’s Fallout With Trump
Macron Hosts Meloni For Riviera Talks After Italian PM’s Fallout With Trump Published By, Last Updated: June 25, 2026, 19:30 IST Emmanuel Macron hosts Giorgia
Macron Hosts Meloni For Riviera Talks After Italian PM’s Fallout With Trump Published By, Last Updated: June 25, 2026, 19:30 IST Emmanuel Macron hosts Giorgia Meloni at Fort de Brégançon to repair France Italy ties, discuss Ukraine, migration, Middle East and Europes stance amid Meloni rift with Trump. Meloni and Macron (AFP) French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for talks on the French Riviera on Wednesday, as the two leaders sought to reset ties after a period of strain and Meloni’s recent fallout with US President Donald Trump. The meeting came as Europe faces growing pressure to present a more united front on defence, trade, migration and the war in Ukraine, while Washington’s approach under Trump has unsettled several European capitals. Macron welcomed Meloni at the presidential retreat at Fort de Brégançon, with the discussions expected to focus on European security, relations with the United States, migration and the Middle East.
Repairing France-Italy Ties Relations between Paris and Rome have often been uneasy, with Macron and Meloni holding sharply different positions on issues including migration, economic policy and Europe’s political direction. Meloni, who leads Italy’s right-wing government, has also had a complicated relationship with Macron despite both leaders backing Ukraine against Russia and supporting stronger European defence capabilities. The Riviera meeting was seen as an attempt to find common ground at a time when the European Union is under pressure to coordinate its response to global conflicts and economic uncertainty. Meloni’s Rift With Trump The talks came after Meloni’s differences with Trump became more visible over the US approach to Europe and international security issues. Meloni has previously positioned herself as one of Trump’s closest political allies in Europe. However, the recent disagreement highlighted the limits of that relationship as Italy seeks to protect its interests within the European Union and NATO.
Macron has repeatedly argued that Europe must reduce its strategic dependence on Washington and build greater military and economic autonomy. Focus On Ukraine, Migration And Middle East The leaders were also expected to discuss continued support for Ukraine, with European governments weighing how to maintain military and financial backing amid uncertainty over US policy. Migration was likely to be another key issue, particularly as Italy pushes for stronger European action to curb irregular arrivals across the Mediterranean. Macron and Meloni were also expected to exchange views on the Middle East, where tensions remain high amid the conflict involving Iran, Israel and Lebanon. The meeting underlined the importance of cooperation between France and Italy, two of the European Union’s largest economies, as the bloc confronts a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
The BriefWire