Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Thursday that Italy would need at least ten years to meet new NATO defence spend targets. His comments come ahead of the NATO leaders’ summit in The Hague, set for 24–25 June.
Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Rome, Tajani reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to strengthening the alliance. However, he stressed that any increase in defence spend must be gradual. “We are in favour of spending more on security, but the question for us is timing,” Tajani said at Villa Madama during the Weimar+ summit.
Italy currently spends 1.49% of its GDP on defence, below the 2% target agreed by NATO members. Rome has pledged to reach the 2% mark in 2025, but largely through accounting changes rather than substantial new investment. These adjustments include adding previously excluded items to its defence budget.
Despite this, Italy remains one of the alliance’s leading contributors. Tajani expressed optimism about progress before the June summit. “We can work well with NATO and arrive at The Hague with a pre-prepared agreement so that NATO can demonstrate its unity,” he said.
Tajani also reiterated Italy’s support for a robust European defence strategy. He calls for a strong European pillar within NATO, balanced with continued American leadership.
Public debt limits ability to increase defence spend
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto also struck a cautious tone in parliament. He said Italy was “not in a position” to meet US calls for NATO allies to spend up to 5% of GDP on defence. Even the interim goal of 3.5% would be difficult, he warned.
Italy’s ability to increase spending is constrained by high public debt. The national debt is forecast to rise to nearly 138% of GDP by 2026. Tajani acknowledged this pressure but insisted that Italy remains committed to contributing more to NATO, but at a pace that reflects its economic realities.
