Italy has begun testing Starlink satellite systems in four embassies worldwide to explore secure communication options for its diplomats and defense officials, though no national security contract has been signed with Elon Musk's company, SpaceX, the government confirmed on Thursday.
Italy has begun testing Starlink antennas in four embassies worldwide but has yet to sign a national security contract with Elon Musk's company, SpaceX, according to a statement from Minister for Parliamentary Relations Luca Ciriani on Thursday.
The Italian government, led by its right-wing administration, is exploring options for encrypted communications to ensure secure links between diplomats, government officials, and defense personnel operating in high-risk regions. Among the potential solutions, Starlink stands out as a top contender. However, the ongoing discussions with the company have sparked controversy, particularly from opposition politicians who question the wisdom of entrusting national security infrastructure to a foreign company with close ties to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ciriani clarified that Italy had initiated limited trials with Starlink systems at diplomatic offices in Burkina Faso, Bangladesh, Lebanon, and Iran. The antennas were set up to test their functionality and would not be used for classified communications. No direct contract with SpaceX has been established, with third-party companies involved in the process instead.
Despite concerns, Italy is considering a possible five-year agreement valued at around 1.5 billion euros ($1.63 billion) with Starlink, which operates the world’s largest constellation of 6,700 active satellites. Its competition includes Eutelsat, a Franco-British operator with far fewer satellites.
Italy’s parliament has rejected opposition amendments aimed at restricting the government from acquiring satellite services from companies outside the European Union.
An Italian court has lifted the special administration imposed on a unit of the Armani fashion group over concerns regarding the labour practices of its Chinese-owned subcontractors. The court ruled that the company had taken all necessary corrective measures.
A centuries old tradition of cheese-throwing has brought excitement to the town of Novara di Sicilia as its residents both young and old trooped out en masse to participate in the game.
In a move with potentially far-reaching implications for the tech industry in Europe, Italian tax authorities have extended their investigation to Elon Musk’s social network X, seeking €12.5 million in value-added tax (VAT) for the period 2016 to 2022, Reuters has reported.
Catholic faithful gathered in Vatican City on Saturday (February 22) to pray for Pope Francis as he continues receiving treatment for double pneumonia. Concerns over his health persist, though doctors assure there is no immediate life-threatening risk.
A U.S. judge has directed Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to provide records and answer questions about their federal spending reduction efforts. The order stems from a lawsuit filed by 14 Democratic state attorneys general, alleging constitutional violations by Musk.
Foreign ministers from the world’s leading democracies meet in Canada to navigate rising tensions with the U.S., as Trump’s policies on Ukraine, tariffs, and Russia spark divisions. Diplomats seek common ground while confronting Washington's unpredictability.
The UK has withdrawn accreditation for a Russian diplomat and a diplomatic spouse, requiring them to leave the country, following the expulsion of two British officials from Russia on Monday.
The EU Commission is set to propose key defense projects to boost Europe’s military capabilities, as outlined in a draft white paper, aiming to strengthen cooperation among member states.
Türkiye’s state-owned Turkish Petroleum Corporation signed a joint venture agreement with U.S. oil giants Continental Resources and TransAtlantic Petroleum, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced.
Italy’s League party urges the government to favour Starlink over French-led Eutelsat for satellite communication systems, citing Starlink's technological edge. The push comes amid delays in the EU’s IRIS² program, as Italy seeks secure communication solutions for officials.
XPeng Motors plans to mass-produce flying cars by 2026, becoming the first company globally to do so. CEO He Xiaopeng also highlighted advancements in autonomous driving and humanoid robotics as part of the company’s future tech initiatives.
World leaders welcomed the 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine has agreed to, calling it a step toward ending the conflict with Russia.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is set to condemn Trump’s Gaza “Riviera” plan, backing Egypt’s $53 billion reconstruction proposal. A classified draft resolution, rejects the relocation of Gazans, calls for urgent international support, and mobilises opposition to the U.S. stance.
In Tuesday’s closely watched parliamentary election, Greenland’s pro-business opposition Demokraatit party took a commanding lead after over 90% of the ballots were counted.
A U.S. judge has directed Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to provide records and answer questions about their federal spending reduction efforts. The order stems from a lawsuit filed by 14 Democratic state attorneys general, alleging constitutional violations by Musk.
Foreign ministers from the world’s leading democracies meet in Canada to navigate rising tensions with the U.S., as Trump’s policies on Ukraine, tariffs, and Russia spark divisions. Diplomats seek common ground while confronting Washington's unpredictability.
The UK has withdrawn accreditation for a Russian diplomat and a diplomatic spouse, requiring them to leave the country, following the expulsion of two British officials from Russia on Monday.
The EU Commission is set to propose key defense projects to boost Europe’s military capabilities, as outlined in a draft white paper, aiming to strengthen cooperation among member states.
Ukraine has received the first installment of 2.5 billion Canadian dollars (approximately $1.7 billion) from Ottawa under the G7's Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) initiative, the Ukrainian Finance Ministry announced on March 13.
A U.S. judge has directed Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to provide records and answer questions about their federal spending reduction efforts. The order stems from a lawsuit filed by 14 Democratic state attorneys general, alleging constitutional violations by Musk.
Foreign ministers from the world’s leading democracies meet in Canada to navigate rising tensions with the U.S., as Trump’s policies on Ukraine, tariffs, and Russia spark divisions. Diplomats seek common ground while confronting Washington's unpredictability.
The UK has withdrawn accreditation for a Russian diplomat and a diplomatic spouse, requiring them to leave the country, following the expulsion of two British officials from Russia on Monday.
The EU Commission is set to propose key defense projects to boost Europe’s military capabilities, as outlined in a draft white paper, aiming to strengthen cooperation among member states.
Türkiye’s state-owned Turkish Petroleum Corporation signed a joint venture agreement with U.S. oil giants Continental Resources and TransAtlantic Petroleum, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced.
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