On January 23, 2025, in Rome, James Jay Carafano, vice president of the Heritage Foundation, discussed the evolving conservative landscape during the conference "Europa-USA 2025: Transatlantic Challenges." The event, co-hosted by the Heritage Foundation and FareFuturo, featured remarks from Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and other prominent figures.
Carafano emphasized the ideological alignment between U.S. conservatives and their European counterparts, particularly under the leadership of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. He noted that Meloni's policies resonate with those of Donald Trump, reflecting a shared agenda that includes opposition to the so-called 'deep state' and critiques of liberal policies.
He further asserted that Meloni represents a new breed of conservative leaders, akin to historical figures like Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. Carafano expressed optimism about Meloni's role in enhancing Italy's relations with the U.S. and Europe, particularly concerning issues like immigration and cooperation in Africa.
In a parallel development, Friedrich Merz, the German opposition leader, outlined his vision for a more assertive Germany in global affairs. Speaking on the same day, he emphasized the importance of restoring trust with key allies and enhancing military cooperation within Europe. Merz proposed the establishment of a national security council to streamline Germany's foreign and defense policies and called for reforms in Europe’s military procurement processes to align with U.S. standards.
Both Carafano and Merz's statements reflect a broader trend of conservative leaders seeking to strengthen transatlantic ties and bolster defense capabilities in response to global challenges.