Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says new NATO defence spending targets are achievable for Italy, thanks to their flexible structure, and insists no other budget priorities will be sacrificed.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday said Italy can afford to meet NATO’s newly agreed defence spending targets, describing the commitments as flexible and sustainable.
Speaking to reporters after a NATO summit in the Netherlands, Meloni stressed that “not a single euro” would be diverted from existing budget plans to fund the military increases.
NATO leaders endorsed a plan to raise total defence and security spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, up from the long-standing 2% target. Of this, 3.5% is designated for core defence spending such as troops and equipment, while 1.5% is to cover wider security needs, including cyber defence and infrastructure adaptation.
Meloni said the new framework “gives total flexibility” and would not impose mandatory yearly spending increases. However, she did not specify how Italy, which has one of the highest public debts in Europe, would fund the long-term commitment.
A recent survey by the European Council of Foreign Relations found only 17% of Italians support increased defence spending — the lowest among the 12 European countries polled.
Meloni also noted that her government has no current plans to activate a special EU clause that allows budget rule exceptions for defence spending. “For 2026, we do not think we need to use the clause,” she said, adding that any future decisions would depend on economic conditions.
On trade, the prime minister voiced optimism that the European Union and the United States could reach a deal on reciprocal 10% tariffs, calling the proposed rate “not particularly impactful” for Italian businesses.
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The EU Commission signed five major agreements with Africa, securing over €1.2 billion ($1.38 billion) in investments and guarantees, EU President Ursula von der Leyen announced Friday.
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At least 11 people have died after a landslide triggered by heavy rain struck parts of northwestern Colombia, local authorities confirmed Wednesday.
At least 16 people were killed during anti-government protests across Kenya on Wednesday, with rights groups accusing police of using lethal force against demonstrators marking the anniversary of last year's deadly unrest.
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The European Commission has announced looser state aid rules to accelerate green industrial projects and offer energy price relief for heavy industries, aiming to keep Europe competitive amid U.S. and Chinese pressure.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met his Romanian counterpart Nicusor Dan on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague, reaffirming a commitment to deepen bilateral ties and enhance Black Sea security.
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Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held the 12th session of their Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in Abu Dhabi, the first in 13 years, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.
At least 11 people have died after a landslide triggered by heavy rain struck parts of northwestern Colombia, local authorities confirmed Wednesday.
At least 16 people were killed during anti-government protests across Kenya on Wednesday, with rights groups accusing police of using lethal force against demonstrators marking the anniversary of last year's deadly unrest.
Florida has started constructing a new migrant detention centre deep in the Everglades, a remote wetland known for its treacherous wildlife, as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to expand detention capacity.
The European Commission has announced looser state aid rules to accelerate green industrial projects and offer energy price relief for heavy industries, aiming to keep Europe competitive amid U.S. and Chinese pressure.
At least 11 people have died after a landslide triggered by heavy rain struck parts of northwestern Colombia, local authorities confirmed Wednesday.
At least 16 people were killed during anti-government protests across Kenya on Wednesday, with rights groups accusing police of using lethal force against demonstrators marking the anniversary of last year's deadly unrest.
Florida has started constructing a new migrant detention centre deep in the Everglades, a remote wetland known for its treacherous wildlife, as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to expand detention capacity.
The European Commission has announced looser state aid rules to accelerate green industrial projects and offer energy price relief for heavy industries, aiming to keep Europe competitive amid U.S. and Chinese pressure.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met his Romanian counterpart Nicusor Dan on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague, reaffirming a commitment to deepen bilateral ties and enhance Black Sea security.
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