Italy’s Foreign Minister Tells Rubio Europe Needs US Presence

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani delivered a clear message to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during their meeting in Rome: Europe needs the United States to bolster NATO. The remarks came as Rubio visited the Vatican and Italy from May 6 to 8.

Speaking to reporters after the encounter, Tajani stated, “I affirmed that the American presence in Europe is important for us to strengthen NATO.” He also stressed the necessity of a consistent European commitment on the matter.

In a separate interview with Sky TG24, the Italian foreign minister added, “Europe and Italy need America, but the United States also needs Europe.”

Melloni Rejects US Troop Withdrawal Plans

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has previously voiced strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s reported intention to pull American forces out of Italy. She made clear she does not share that approach.

Trump had earlier hinted at the possibility of withdrawing US troops not only from Germany but also from Italy and Spain.