Italian PM Meloni says she was ‘astonished’ by Trump claims that she ‘begged’ him for a photo - Europe live

Key Points:

• US President Donald Trump claimed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni "begged" him for a photo at the G7 summit, prompting Meloni to strongly deny the allegation and call it "completely made up," emphasizing that neither she nor Italy ever beg anyone.
• In response to Trump's remarks, Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled his planned visit to the US, stating that Trump's comments offended all of Italy, while other Italian officials criticized Trump for damaging transatlantic relations.
• A majority of EU member states, led by Denmark and Italy, have called for the establishment of offshore deportation hubs to expedite the return of migrants without the right to stay in the EU, although major countries like France, Germany, and Spain did not join the call.
• French authorities detained a Belarus-born man on charges of spying for Russia at a French drone manufacturer, and the Czech Republic confirmed it will miss its 2% GDP defense spending target, citing the need to prioritize public finances.
• EU leaders agreed on a joint statement supporting Ukraine and urging Russia to engage in peace negotiations, while discussions continue on the EU's 2028-2034 budget, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz opposing increased EU debt.