Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed "full solidarity" with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a European Council summit on Friday [1].
The public support comes after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly suggested that Meloni had "begged" him for a photo during a G7 summit in France [1, 2]. The exchange highlights growing tensions between the U.S. administration and European leaders over diplomatic conduct and mutual respect.
Sánchez made his comments on June 19, 2026 [1], while attending the EU summit in Brussels. He said he sought to support Meloni following the remarks made by the U.S. president, which were viewed as disrespectful to the Italian head of government [1, 2].
Meloni responded to the claims by stating that "Italy Doesn't 'Beg'" [2]. The friction began during the Group of 7 summit in France, where Trump allegedly made the comment regarding the photo request [2].
Sánchez said there is a need for international dialogue and a Europe that remains open to the world. By aligning himself with Meloni, the Spanish leader signaled a unified European front against perceived slights from Washington.
This diplomatic rift occurs as European leaders navigate complex trade and security relationships with the U.S. The incident has shifted the focus of the Brussels summit toward the preservation of European dignity, and the stability of transatlantic alliances.
“"full solidarity"”
The incident underscores a volatile period in transatlantic relations where personal grievances between leaders can overshadow policy goals. By publicly backing Meloni, Sánchez is reinforcing a collective European identity that resists the transactional and often confrontational diplomatic style of the current U.S. administration.
