Italy's parliament rejects 'anti-Musk' amendments to space bill

Italy’s parliament has rejected opposition amendments aimed at restricting the government from acquiring satellite services from companies outside the European Union.

The move, denounced by a representative from Starlink as an "anti-Musk" crusade, marks a setback for proposals put forward by the centre-left Democratic Party (PD).

The draft space bill, which requires approval from both houses of parliament, is designed to ensure that Italian communications are transmitted exclusively through satellites operated by companies within the EU or those affiliated with the Atlantic Alliance (NATO). The proposal was intended to bolster secure satellite communications for diplomats and officials operating in high-risk areas.

Lawmakers from the PD had sought to impose additional limitations by mandating that satellites managed by non-EU entities be used only when no alternative was available, while also requiring that Italy maintain exclusive ownership and control over the encryption as well as the software and hardware components used by the service provider. However, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's ruling parties opposed these measures.

Starlink, a U.S. company under Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is among the top contenders for a government contract to provide these services. Opposition critics have questioned the prudence of engaging with a company owned by the high-profile tech billionaire and a noted ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Andrea Stroppa, representing Musk in Italy, criticized the PD’s stance, warning that Starlink is "not a toy for the politicians" and accusing the PD of waging an "anti-Musk crusade."

In addition to Starlink, Reuters reported that Franco-British satellite operator Eutelsat is also in discussions with the Italian government regarding secure communications. Meanwhile, PD lawmaker Andrea Casu emphasized the need for robust safeguards to ensure the proper use of public funds.

The rejection of the amendments reflects ongoing debates in Italy over how best to secure national communications infrastructure while balancing strategic and economic interests in the competitive global satellite market.

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