European leaders have pledged to boost defence spending in response to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and growing concerns about security in Europe. The European Commission has proposed borrowing up to €150 billion to finance a rearmament plan. This move follows the recent suspension of US military aid to Ukraine, raising fears that Europe can no longer rely on American protection.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has outlined a broader plan to mobilise up to €800 billion for European defence. EU leaders gathered in Brussels to discuss these proposals, marking a significant shift towards a more self-sufficient European security strategy.
Italy’s Stance on European Defence
Italy’s Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reaffirmed the country’s commitment to European defence. However, he ruled out using cohesion funds for military spending. Speaking at a European People’s Party (EPP) summit ahead of the EU meeting, Tajani stressed that these funds must remain allocated for other priorities.
“We have always supported European defence; it was the great dream of Alcide De Gasperi and later Silvio Berlusconi. If this dream comes to fruition, it will be a positive development,” Tajani said. De Gasperi was instrumental in Italy’s post-war reconstruction. He was also a founding figure of the European Union, while Berlusconi played a major role in shaping Italy’s modern centre-right politics.
Tajani also emphasised the importance of NATO and strong transatlantic ties, warning that European security could not be guaranteed without the United States. “It is absolutely impossible to think of guaranteeing the security of Ukraine and Europe without a solid transatlantic relationship and without NATO. It can’t be done without the US,” he stated.
Pragmatism in Foreign Relations
When asked about trust in US President Donald Trump, Tajani took a diplomatic approach. “Trump is the President of the United States. We are allies of the United States, regardless of who is in office,” he said.
Regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin, Tajani called for a pragmatic approach rather than ideological stances. “Certainly, Putin did not respect international law. We will see if he maintains agreements or not. We must be pragmatic,” he explained.
Read: How does Italy stand on rearmament and troops to Ukraine
No Italian Troops in Ukraine
Tajani reiterated that Italy would not send troops to Ukraine as part of any European or NATO mission. However, he did not rule out participating in a United Nations peacekeeping operation if such a mission were established.
Strengthening European Sovereignty
The EU’s latest defence push highlights the growing urgency for Europe to reduce its dependency on external allies. While leaders agree on the need for increased military spending, the details of funding and implementation remain under discussion. Italy’s position reflects a balance between strengthening European defence and maintaining NATO’s central role in security.
