Amy Kasman, Rome correspondent for the Financial Times, discusses Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's precarious diplomatic visit to Washington to meet Donald Trump amid trade tensions. Inga Thordar, Chief External Relations Officer at the Oceanborne Foundation, highlights Europe's shifting security priorities, including Switzerland's military training abroad. Michael Binion, Foreign Affairs specialist for The Times, touches on Singapore’s elections and the unexpected rise of 'slow TV' in the Nordics, exploring its cultural significance in today's fast-paced society.
Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, faces challenges in negotiating trade tariffs with the U.S. amid economic vulnerabilities.
Switzerland's decision to train troops abroad marks a significant shift in its long-standing policy of neutrality and reflects evolving European security needs.
The decline in U.S. international arrivals highlights the impact of tariffs and political uncertainty on global tourism and travel preferences.
Deep dives
Italy's Economic Vulnerability Due to Tariffs
Italy's economy is significantly reliant on the United States as its second-largest export market, with a staggering $70 billion in merchandise exported last year. The ongoing discussion of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration poses a substantial risk to key Italian industries. Current tariff levels have already increased costs for Italian goods by 10%, raising substantial concerns within the domestic market regarding potential GDP growth losses. If negotiations fail, further tariff increases threaten to damage vital sectors, exacerbating Italy’s economic vulnerability.
Georgia Maloney's Diplomatic Challenge
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Maloney is navigating a complex diplomatic landscape as she attempts to engage with President Trump regarding the new tariffs. Despite her prior cordial relations with him, Italy's limited negotiating power as an EU member complicates her mission. Maloney's domestic political standing may hinge on her ability to secure a more favorable outcome from her discussions, although some EU leaders express concern over her high-profile approach. The pressure mounts as she risks backlash should her efforts to negotiate special deals backfire politically at home.
Shifts in Europe's Defense Strategy
Switzerland has taken a significant step in its defense posture by training troops abroad for the first time in three decades, marking a notable shift from its traditionally neutral stance. This initiative involves collaboration with Germany and Austria as Switzerland re-evaluates security needs amidst rising tensions in Europe. The deployment reflects a broader surge in military spending and a collective rethinking of defense strategies across the continent, as NATO seeks to bolster its capabilities in response to external threats. This exercise underscores the changing landscape of European military cooperation, focusing on a more integrated approach to defense.
Brazil's Struggle with Tax Reforms
In anticipation of the upcoming 2026 general elections, Brazilian President Lula da Silva's administration has introduced ambitious tax reforms aimed at revitalizing his social justice credentials. The proposed income tax exemption seeks to ease financial burdens on low-income earners but is met with challenges from a conservative Congress reluctant to tax high earners to compensate for lost revenue. This reform's success resides in finding a delicate balance that satisfies public demand while maintaining fiscal credibility, as the political landscape evolves with a growing discontent towards the current government. Lula's ability to navigate these negotiations could have lasting implications for his administration and upcoming electoral prospects.
The Rising Cost of Travel to the U.S.
The U.S. travel and tourism market faces a decline as international arrivals drop significantly amid rising costs and political uncertainty. Following a 11.6% decrease in overseas visitors compared to the previous year, factors such as increased tariffs and a fluctuating dollar further complicate the situation. Destinations like Canada are seeing increased interest as travelers shift preferences, aiming to avoid obstacles associated with travel to the U.S. This shift signals not only financial considerations but also changing sentiments regarding U.S. policies and their impact on global tourism patterns.
Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, is headed to the White House to meet with US president Donald Trump. Can she walk the diplomatic tightrope amid trade tensions? Then: we look at how Europe’s security priorities have shifted as the Swiss Army trains abroad for the first time in 30 years. Plus: Singapore’s general election, how tariffs are affecting air travel and why “slow TV” is on the rise in the Nordics.
