Security Action for Europe (SAFE) is a lending instrument to strengthen defense capabilities. Italy is using only 4-5 billion euros out of 15 billion euros. So much is needed to work on projects for which contracts have already been signed.
“We have to respect some commitments to NATO, but now is not the time to take such a large loan,” said Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani.
The Italian government says it intends to focus on dealing with the consequences of soaring energy prices.
“We cannot tell citizens that there is money only for defense,” Euronews quoted her as saying. – If, in the face of the crisis, we are unable to provide answers to citizens and businesses, we risk ending up in a situation where there is nothing left to defend. Therefore, we need to find a balance.
However, the cuts in the SAFE program still have to be approved by Brussels. Ursula von der Leyen’s answer is expected on June 3.
The government’s strategy is strongly opposed by former Prime Minister and European Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni: “Stop pushing Europe, we risk making a mockery of ourselves,” he says. – We are the last in terms of growth and the first in terms of debt, although Italy has received a huge amount of European funds.
Meloni, however, is convinced of the opposite, believing that the government has earned international trust and credibility. After all, if her cabinet lasts until September, it will be the longest-lasting in the history of the Italian republic.
