A world in which turbulence and radical change have become the norm increasingly needs leaders who can make decisive but pragmatic decisions. Against the background of growing uncertainty regarding the US support for Ukraine and the increasing influence of right-wing forces in Europe, the question arises: who will shape the future of global politics?
When Politico published late last year called it to the Prime Minister of Italy, George Malone, as the most influential person in Europe, many were surprised. However, her diplomatic connections, ability to combine ideological determination with pragmatism, and ability find a common language with unpredictable leaders, including Donald Trump, make it a key player on the world stage.
Maloney and Ukraine: from support to a cautious position
Formerly Maloney demonstrated strong support for Ukraine, in particular, during a visit to Kyiv a year ago, where she, together with President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, signed the Agreement on cooperation in the field of security between Italy and Ukraine. It was her diplomatic efforts that the Ukrainian and European establishment relied on in matters of support for Ukraine by the newly elected US President Donald Trump. She was the only European leader personally invited to the inauguration of US President Donald Trump on January 20. Then she is met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, to which only those with whom Trump feels a personal affection have access.
However, with the return of Donald Trump to the White House, the situation has changed. His isolationist policies and skepticism about NATO pose difficult challenges for European allies.
Now, amid changes in international relations and a desire to maintain good relations with the Trump administration, Maloney is trying find the balance between supporting Ukraine and maintaining good relations with the United States. This causes difficulties, given her previous statements in support of Kyiv. However, recent actions call into question her willingness to mediate between Europe and the US.
Currently, the world media are discussing the decision of the Italian Prime Minister not to participate in the G7 video conference scheduled for February 24 and dedicated to the third anniversary of Russian aggression. Although her office officially cited a scheduling conflict, analysts believe the real reason is Maloney’s desire to avoid irritating President Trump, who has strained relations with Kiev. This decision clearly contrasts with Maloney’s previous active support for Ukraine.
This step caused concern among European allies, because it was Malone who was counting on persuading the new American president to continue supporting Ukraine. Her diplomatic skills are once again put to the test: will she be able to balance the interests of Europe and the United States?
Political evolution: from populism to strategic leadership
Giorgia Maloney began her political career at the age of 15, joining the youth organization of the Italian Social Movement. Subsequently, she became a member of parliament, and at the age of 31 — the youngest minister of youth affairs in the government of Silvio Berlusconi. In 2012, she founded the «Brothers of Italy» party, which today is the leading right-wing force in the country.
After coming to power in 2022, her policies were seen by many as unpredictable because her party had historical ties to pro-Russian forces. However, with the beginning of Russian aggression, she took a clear anti-Putin position, which strengthened her reputation on the international scene.
While the French government is resigning, and Germany is preparing for early elections, Italy unexpectedly became a symbol of stability. Georgie Maloney’s cabinet remains strong and the economy is showing resilience.
A carefully constructed image of Maloney as a tough and decisive politician helps perceiving it as a symbol of stability. One of the vivid examples is her eccentric and inventive reaction to the insulting comment of the president of the Campania region, Vincenzo De Luca, who called her a «bitch» at a rally. During an official event in the same region, Maloney publicly addressed him, referring to that incident: “President De Luca, I’m the same bitch, Maloney. How are you?”
A recording of the moment, in which a confused De Luca tried to respond to her harsh but confident tone, instantly went viral on Italian social media. This further strengthened her reputation as a leader who is not afraid of direct confrontations and easily repels opponents, regardless of their political status. Such situations prove the appropriateness of her use of the masculine form of the title Il Presidente del Consiglio and emphasize her role in politics.
Organic as for a center-right leader in Maloney’s domestic arena conduct a hard line on migration policy, the rights of the LGBT+ community and even freedom of speech. It is noteworthy that if earlier this would have caused a sharp reaction from Brussels, now the EU’s response ranges from neutral to approving. It has gained a reputation as a reliable ally that responds to changing political moods in Europe and the United States.
She is especially praised for effectively reducing illegal migration, in particular through the creation of deportation centers outside the EU. In Italy, this scheme is implemented through cooperation with Albania. Despite some controversy, the model proposed by Maloney has attracted the attention of other European countries, which are considering the possibility of borrowing it.
Defense funding remains another important point in US-European relations. Trump believes NATO allies are underspending, shifting most of the financial burden to America. Although currently the countries of the alliance are obliged to invest 2% of GDP in the defense sector, Trump insists on increasing this figure to 5%. In Italy, expenses are kept at the level of about 1.5%, because it is limited by the huge state debt. Despite this, Georgie Maloney’s influence in NATO seems to be only growing.
Recently, one of the highest positions in NATO — the chairman of the NATO Military Committee — hugged Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, who previously headed the Italian General Staff. His candidacy was actively supported by the Meloni government, which, according to the Italian media, could strengthen Rome’s position in NATO and increase its influence on decision-making.
In his interview at his new position, Dragone expressed himself in support of Trump’s idea of increased defense spending by European allies. He noted that during the Cold War, NATO countries spent an average of 3% of GDP on military needs, but after its end, defense budgets began to shrink. The admiral estimated that countries could have invested an additional 8.6 trillion euros over the past decade if they had maintained previous levels of funding.
In his opinion, this miscalculation put Europe in a vulnerable position, and Russia remains a real threat to the continent. The best way to guarantee security, he believes, is to strengthen defense capabilities and deter a potential aggressor.
Relations with Trump as a key to geopolitical influence
Currently, Maloney demonstrates political adaptability: on the one hand, she maintains support for Ukraine, and on the other hand, she tries to avoid confrontation with the Trump administration. Her ties to the White House could become decisive in determining the US position on NATO and trade relations with the EU.
Her role as a mediator between the US and Europe can become decisive in resolving trade policy issues, as Trump has repeatedly stated the possibility of introducing tariffs for the EU. This is of particular concern to France and Germany, whose economies are largely dependent on exports to the United States.
However, not everyone is convinced of its influence. Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon believes that her attempts to find a compromise with EU centrists have weakened her position in the eyes of Republicans. However, the very fact of being invited to the inauguration and her diplomatic activity indicate that her role in relations with the United States remains significant.
Musk, SpaceX and challenges for the EU
Another interesting aspect of her geopolitical influence is her relationship with Elon Musk. Their collaboration began in 2023 at an event in Rome where they discussed artificial intelligence, politics and even Lord of the Rings.
In December, Musk attended the Atreju party forum at Maloney’s invitation, and later presented her with an award from the Atlantic Council, highlighting her role in strengthening European unity. Meanwhile, the Italian government is finalizing negotiations with SpaceX to provide secure communications for the military and diplomats. The opposition has criticized the move because of the potential risk of passing on sensitive US information.
According to analysts, rapprochement with Musk can complicate Maloney’s relations with European partners, in particular with Germany and France. However, she skilfully uses her connections to strengthen Italy’s position in the world…
…Georgia Maloney has become not just another European leader, but a key figure in global politics. Its ability to maneuver between EU and US interests makes it an important player in international relations.
However, will she be able to maintain a balance between supporting Ukraine, the interests of Europe and friendship with Trump? This question remains open. The world order is changing, and it is leaders like Maloney who can determine its future.
Tetyana Viktorova
