United States/Politics/German and Italian leaders discuss a pragmatic approach to dealing with Trump

German and Italian leaders discuss a pragmatic approach to dealing with Trump

Jan 29, 202611 sources

person:merzperson:trumpperson:meloniplace:romeplace:berlin

Story Timeline

Jan 29, 2026German and Italian leaders discuss a pragmatic approach to dealing with Trump11 sources

Feb 17, 2026Italian leader Meloni navigates between Berlin and Washington on Trump's UN funding6 sources

Summary

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome. They agreed that Germany and Italy should take a pragmatic, non-instinctive approach to future relations with the United States, particularly if Donald Trump wins the presidential election.

Merz stated that Germany would not join a proposed 'Board of Peace' initiative from Trump. He also dismissed speculation about Trump's health and said Europeans are 'not subordinates' to the US.

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Source Headlines

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Rome, Berlin share pragmatic, non-instinctive approach to US says Meloni (3)

Jan 23

Rome, Berlin share pragmatic, non-instinctive approach to US says Meloni after meeting Merz

Jan 23

++ Rome, Berlin share pragmatic, non-instinctive approach to US says Meloni ++

Jan 23