Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Monday that Italy would be in favor of postponing part of the European Union's countermeasures to United States tariffs to April 30. The union is currently seeking to adopt a response to the US tariff on steel and aluminum by April 15.

Tajani argued that delaying the countermeasures would send a signal that the EU is prepared to defend its businesses but that it is also "always ready to discuss" with Washington. However, he also stressed Italy will continue to stand with other EU member states whatever the final decision, insisting that his government has "complete confidence" in Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic.