Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced that she will travel to Washington to meet with United States President Donald Trump on April 17. The two leaders are set to discuss the latest round of retaliatory U.S. tariffs imposed on European Union goods, which have had a direct impact on the Italian economy.

The meeting comes amid increasing concern within the Italian government about the economic ramifications of the tariffs, particularly for domestic industries. In response, Meloni revealed a substantial support package totaling €25 billion to help mitigate the negative effects.

According to Meloni, €14 billion will be drawn from the EU’s post-COVID recovery funds, aimed at shielding Italian companies from the fallout of U.S. levies. Additionally, another €11 billion will be reallocated from the European Union's cohesion funds to stimulate the broader Italian economy.

“Our goal is to use the crisis to make our economic system more productive and competitive,” Meloni said during a press conference, according to the Italian news agency ANSA.

The upcoming talks with President Trump are expected to focus not only on the immediate impact of the tariffs but also on possible pathways to ease transatlantic trade tensions. With Italy among the EU countries hit hardest by the U.S. trade measures, the meeting could serve as a pivotal moment in addressing bilateral economic relations between Rome and Washington.

The announcement of both the visit and the economic relief plan underscores Italy’s dual strategy of pursuing diplomatic engagement while simultaneously cushioning its economy against external shocks. As the April 17 meeting approaches, attention will be closely focused on whether Meloni and Trump can chart a course toward de-escalation in the ongoing tariff dispute.