The days of friendship are over.

It may be a coincidence, but it could create a ripple effect, as both issues involve not only bilateral relations between Hungary and Italy with the US, but also impact the relationship between the EU and NATO with the US.

The first issue is that US President Donald Trump lost a close ally in the EU and NATO, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, following the recent parliamentary elections in Hungary. The second is the breakdown of the friendly relationship between Trump and the current Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Meloni, Trump, and Orban

Photo: Reuters/AP

Meloni was seen as a bridge between President Trump and the EU and NATO at a time when Trump was creating many difficulties and awkward situations for the EU and NATO in terms of foreign policy and security, as well as in economic and trade relations between the EU and the US. The reasons for this breakdown included the US war with Iran, Meloni's decision to halt military cooperation between Italy and Israel, and President Trump's remarks about Pope Leo XIV, which Meloni considered unacceptable. Meloni did not support or allow the US to use military bases on Italian territory for the war against Iran. Trump publicly called this a "betrayal" by Meloni. The days of friendship between them seem to be over.

Orban's defeat was inevitable, while Meloni had urgent domestic needs to demonstrate her independence and assertiveness in her relationship with Trump. She had to choose between ideological similarities with Trump and the stability of her power in Italy, along with the security interests of Italy and the EU.

Both of these developments would further strain relations between the US and other NATO members and would strongly encourage the EU's military and security autonomy.

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Source: https://thanhnien.vn/qua-roi-thoi-than-ai-185260416221210323.htm