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.
French President Emmanuel Macron will meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday in a bid to ease tensions over Ukraine, U.S. ties, and EU trade strategies, amid growing disagreements between the two leaders.
The European Commission has given the green light to a joint venture between BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. to lead the development of a next-generation fighter jet.
Leaders of Central Asian countries and Italy convened in Astana for the first Central Asia–Italy summit, culminating in the adoption of a Joint Declaration aimed at deepening political, economic, and cultural cooperation.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni adopted a joint statement to expand their strategic partnership following talks held on Friday in Astana.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described Kazakhstan as an “strategic partner” in Central Asia during a meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana, according to a statement from the Kazakh presidency issued today.
President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation reinstating a travel ban that restricts entry to the United States for citizens of 12 countries, citing national security threats and inadequate vetting processes.
In a historic move, President Donald Trump’s administration has imposed sanctions on four judges from the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing their involvement in cases targeting U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Israeli officials over alleged war crimes.
Albania’s Parliament has approved a bilateral agreement to enhance security cooperation and provide long-term support to Ukraine, marking a new phase in Tirana’s alignment with Kyiv amid ongoing regional instability.
In a sweeping new proclamation issued late Wednesday night, President Donald Trump has announced an immediate ban on the enrollment of new Chinese and other foreign students at Harvard University.
In a rare direct call, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping addressed escalating trade tensions and a critical minerals dispute that threatens global supply chains. The hour-long conversation, which touched on tariffs, rare earth exports.
As peace talks progress, voices from Yerevan, Tbilisi, and Baku reveal hopes, concerns, and expectations for a future shaped by trade, trust, and generational change in the South Caucasus.
A bridge collapse in the Vygonichsky district of Russia’s Bryansk region, near the Ukrainian border, caused a train derailment and a traffic accident early Sunday, killing at least seven people and leaving 30 injured, according to emergency services.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has confirmed it carried out a third targeted attack against the Crimean Bridge, also known as the Kerch Bridge, early Tuesday morning, marking a new escalation in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
A strong 6.3 magnitude earthquake shook Japan’s Hokkaido prefecture early Monday, causing no reported injuries or damage, and no tsunami warning was issued, officials confirmed.
Federal authorities have arrested 14 suspects in Los Angeles linked to an Armenian organized crime ring accused of stealing $30 million in COVID relief and Small Business loans intended to support American taxpayers.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has extended warm wishes to Muslims around the world celebrating Eid al-Adha, calling for unity, compassion, and solidarity in a time marked by global conflict and division.
President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation reinstating a travel ban that restricts entry to the United States for citizens of 12 countries, citing national security threats and inadequate vetting processes.
In a historic move, President Donald Trump’s administration has imposed sanctions on four judges from the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing their involvement in cases targeting U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Israeli officials over alleged war crimes.
Albania’s Parliament has approved a bilateral agreement to enhance security cooperation and provide long-term support to Ukraine, marking a new phase in Tirana’s alignment with Kyiv amid ongoing regional instability.
In a sweeping new proclamation issued late Wednesday night, President Donald Trump has announced an immediate ban on the enrollment of new Chinese and other foreign students at Harvard University.
President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation reinstating a travel ban that restricts entry to the United States for citizens of 12 countries, citing national security threats and inadequate vetting processes.
In a historic move, President Donald Trump’s administration has imposed sanctions on four judges from the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing their involvement in cases targeting U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Israeli officials over alleged war crimes.
Albania’s Parliament has approved a bilateral agreement to enhance security cooperation and provide long-term support to Ukraine, marking a new phase in Tirana’s alignment with Kyiv amid ongoing regional instability.
In a sweeping new proclamation issued late Wednesday night, President Donald Trump has announced an immediate ban on the enrollment of new Chinese and other foreign students at Harvard University.
In a rare direct call, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping addressed escalating trade tensions and a critical minerals dispute that threatens global supply chains. The hour-long conversation, which touched on tariffs, rare earth exports.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment