Italy Hails Trump’s Decision to Pause Planned Tariffs on Europe

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has welcomed US President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend planned tariffs on some European countries, describing the move as a positive step that underscores the importance of dialogue among allied nations.

In a statement posted on social media platform X on Wednesday, Meloni said she supported Trump’s announcement to halt the tariffs that were due to take effect on February 1.

“I welcome President Trump’s announcement to suspend the imposition of tariffs scheduled for February 1 on certain European countries,” she said, adding that continued engagement between transatlantic partners remains essential.

Meloni noted that the decision aligned with Italy’s long-held position on relations with the United States, stressing the need to foster cooperation and dialogue among allies.

Trump earlier said he would pause the tariffs after indicating that a framework had been reached on a future agreement involving Greenland and the wider Arctic region. The announcement followed his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the talks had been “very productive” and resulted in an understanding concerning Greenland and broader Arctic issues, prompting him to suspend the planned tariffs. He did not provide further details of the framework.

Last week, Trump had threatened to impose 10 percent tariffs on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland from February 1, with plans to raise them to 25 percent in June unless an agreement was reached on what he described as the “complete and total purchase of Greenland.”

European leaders strongly rejected the tariff threats and reiterated their solidarity with Denmark, vowing a united response.

Greenland has drawn Trump’s interest due to its strategic position in the Arctic, its vast mineral resources and concerns in Washington about growing Russian and Chinese influence in the region.