Biden and Meloni Meet at G7: Ukraine War Takes Center Stage, But One Issue Remains Unspoken

(Biden, Meloni, G7, Ukraine, Italy, US, migration)

President Joe Biden and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, discussing a range of issues including the ongoing war in Ukraine. Both leaders emphasized the importance of supporting Kyiv and holding Russia accountable for its actions.

However, one notable issue was conspicuously absent from the agenda: migration. Meloni, known for her hardline stance on immigration, has previously criticized the European Union’s handling of the migrant crisis and called for stricter border controls.

While the US and Italy share a common interest in addressing the root causes of migration, differences in approach remain. The US, under Biden, has focused on promoting humanitarian solutions and legal pathways for migration. Meanwhile, Meloni has pursued a more restrictive approach, including the recent controversial decree barring NGO rescue ships from operating in Italian waters.

The lack of discussion on migration during the meeting highlights the ongoing tension between the two countries on this critical issue. It remains to be seen if and when this topic will be addressed directly, particularly as both leaders face domestic pressures surrounding migration policy.