Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Rome on Thursday in preparation for the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague later this month, where defence spending will be a key focus.
According to Meloni’s office, the leaders engaged in an in-depth discussion on collective security spending and the development of a more innovative and competitive defense industry in cooperation with the European Union.
During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and emphasized the Atlantic Alliance’s vital role as a pillar of collective defence, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach to Euro-Atlantic security.
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to attend the NATO summit in June, where his calls for European allies to increase defence budgets will dominate the agenda.
Trump has long criticized NATO members for not contributing their fair share to security costs. This summit will mark his first meeting with the alliance since returning to power.
Italy currently ranks among NATO members with the lowest defence spending, allocating less than 1.5% of its GDP to defence in 2024, well below the alliance’s 2% target.
Rome has pledged to meet the 2% target this year, while Rutte has proposed a split target of 3.5% for core defence capabilities and an additional 1.5% for related areas like cybersecurity and infrastructure.
European stock markets closed lower on Friday as heightened tensions in the Middle East rattled investors, overshadowing optimism from improving US-China trade relations.
Iran has demanded an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council after Israeli airstrikes on Friday killed dozens, including top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists, in what Tehran calls a “declaration of war.”
At least 18 people were killed and 35 injured on Friday in Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, bringing the total death toll from the attacks to 104, according to Iranian state media.
Dua Lipa has announced her engagement to British actor Callum Turner, calling the decision to grow old together “a really special feeling.”
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called on Friday for a revival of the Iran nuclear negotiations process launched by former US President Donald Trump, saying diplomacy remains the sole path to prevent war amid escalating tensions following Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
European stock markets closed lower on Friday as heightened tensions in the Middle East rattled investors, overshadowing optimism from improving US-China trade relations.
Iran has demanded an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council after Israeli airstrikes on Friday killed dozens, including top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists, in what Tehran calls a “declaration of war.”
At least 18 people were killed and 35 injured on Friday in Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, bringing the total death toll from the attacks to 104, according to Iranian state media.
Dua Lipa has announced her engagement to British actor Callum Turner, calling the decision to grow old together “a really special feeling.”
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called on Friday for a revival of the Iran nuclear negotiations process launched by former US President Donald Trump, saying diplomacy remains the sole path to prevent war amid escalating tensions following Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 8th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay is in critical condition after being shot three times — including twice in the head — during a campaign event in Bogotá.
Pakistan will begin its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore on June 22. The route is part of the INSTC and aims to connect Pakistan's rail network with Central Asia, establishing a new trade corridor via Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan and the UK are strengthening defense ties with a new Military Cooperation Plan, focusing on peacekeeping and military education.
A 30-year-old woman was shot by police in Munich on Saturday evening after stabbing two people at Theresienwiese, a central park best known for hosting Oktoberfest.
European stock markets closed lower on Friday as heightened tensions in the Middle East rattled investors, overshadowing optimism from improving US-China trade relations.
Iran has demanded an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council after Israeli airstrikes on Friday killed dozens, including top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists, in what Tehran calls a “declaration of war.”
At least 18 people were killed and 35 injured on Friday in Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, bringing the total death toll from the attacks to 104, according to Iranian state media.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called on Friday for a revival of the Iran nuclear negotiations process launched by former US President Donald Trump, saying diplomacy remains the sole path to prevent war amid escalating tensions following Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
Fresh explosions were reported in Tehran on Friday as Iranian air defenses intercepted an Israeli missile, intensifying an already volatile regional crisis following Israel’s large-scale air assault on Iran.
European stock markets closed lower on Friday as heightened tensions in the Middle East rattled investors, overshadowing optimism from improving US-China trade relations.
Iran has demanded an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council after Israeli airstrikes on Friday killed dozens, including top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists, in what Tehran calls a “declaration of war.”
At least 18 people were killed and 35 injured on Friday in Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, bringing the total death toll from the attacks to 104, according to Iranian state media.
Dua Lipa has announced her engagement to British actor Callum Turner, calling the decision to grow old together “a really special feeling.”
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called on Friday for a revival of the Iran nuclear negotiations process launched by former US President Donald Trump, saying diplomacy remains the sole path to prevent war amid escalating tensions following Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
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