Negotiations between Italy and Elon Musk's Starlink have stalled over geopolitical tensions, as the government seeks secure communications for officials. Opposition politicians have raised concerns over working with a company linked to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Negotiations between Italy’s government and Elon Musk's satellite internet company, Starlink, have stalled, with broader geopolitical tensions contributing to the delay in talks. Italy's Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, confirmed on Saturday that discussions regarding a potential contract for encrypted communications between the government, diplomats, and defense officials had come to a halt. The shift in focus from technical matters to public comments about Musk and his business ventures was one of the key reasons for the impasse.
Under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s leadership, Italy is working to ensure secure communications for officials operating in high-risk areas. Starlink, which has been operational in Italy since 2021 and is a dominant player in the satellite internet sector, remains a strong candidate to provide this service. However, despite its vast network of over 6,700 active satellites, political pushback is growing.
Sources suggest Italy is considering a five-year deal worth 1.5 billion euros ($1.62 billion) with Starlink, part of Musk’s SpaceX group. However, opposition politicians have expressed concerns about handing a critical national security contract to a foreign company led by Musk, who is a close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Minister Crosetto stressed that once political tensions subside, the focus would return to technical aspects of the agreement. “The point is: what is most useful and safe for the nation,” he said, emphasizing the importance of ensuring national security and the reliability of communications.
Prime Minister Meloni has prioritized Italy's alliance with the United States, but she faces a delicate balancing act in managing relationships with both Trump and European leaders. Meanwhile, her coalition partner, the far-right League, continues to advocate for closer ties with both Musk and Trump. On Friday, Matteo Salvini, leader of the League and Meloni's deputy, revealed a phone conversation with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, in which he praised the U.S. capabilities in satellite communications.
As talks continue, the Italian government must navigate complex political pressures and national security considerations to determine the future of the Starlink contract.
Huawei and Xiaomi have launched flagship foldable smartphones, intensifying the battle for China's premium handset market just days before Appl...
Türkiye could become an increasingly important outlet for Iraqi crude as Baghdad develops new export routes to reduce its reliance on the Stra...
Operations at several energy facilities in Saudi Arabia were suspended on Tuesday after attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi forces injured more than 70 ...
At least five people were killed and five others injured when an Amazon Prime Air cargo plane overran a runway and crashed while landing at Miami International Airport on Sunday, 6 September, local officials said.
U.S. special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Sunday on efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
A TV channel was struck during a live broadcast on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, as Russian strikes on Kyiv killed at least three people, the city's Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. Meanwhile, drones hit civilian infrastructure in Russia's southwestern Saratov region.
Indonesia has reopened Jakarta's main airport and four others after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau forced widespread flight cancellations, though fresh eruptions have kept authorities on alert.
Operations at several energy facilities in Saudi Arabia were suspended on Tuesday after attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi forces injured more than 70 people and sparked fires, Saudi authorities said.
Huawei and Xiaomi have launched flagship foldable smartphones, intensifying the battle for China's premium handset market just days before Apple's latest product launch.
Israel said on Tuesday it was closing the British consulate in East Jerusalem after the UK, France and Canada announced plans to restrict imports from Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
France will move to restrict imports of goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, joining 11 other countries backing or considering similar measures, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Tuesday.
A TV channel was struck during a live broadcast on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, as Russian strikes on Kyiv killed at least three people, the city's Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. Meanwhile, drones hit civilian infrastructure in Russia's southwestern Saratov region.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Monday a €200 million ($232 million) deal with Greenland, called the Global Gateway Partnership Package, aimed at strengthening the EU-Greenland partnership, amid growing U.S. interest in the Arctic island.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment