Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has warned that excluding the US from defence contracts under a €150 billion EU loans programme would be a mistake, stressing that NATO's transatlantic alliance is crucial for European security
Key developments. Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has warned that excluding the United States from defence contracts funded by a €150 billion EU loans programme would be “a mistake.”
- On Thursday, Tajani emphasised that strengthening European defence and enhancing security means bolstering NATO as a fundamental pillar.
- He underlined the importance of transatlantic cooperation, asserting that Europe’s security framework must remain firmly anchored to the United States.
- He stressed that excluding the US risks undermining the very foundation of the Euro-Atlantic alliance, which is critical for Europe’s future security.
French blocking measures. France has successfully blocked EU countries from using the €150 billion fund to procure weapons from the UK, US, and Turkey unless they sign a security and defence partnership agreement with the EU.
- Under the scheme, EU member states are expected to allocate 65% of the equipment costs to suppliers from within the EU, Norway, or Ukraine.
- The remaining 35% may be spent on non-EU suppliers, but only if a security agreement exists.
Italian industrial gateway. Italy plays a pivotal role in defence due to the country’s strong industrial presence, particularly in the aerospace and defence company Leonardo.
- Leonardo has long served as the principal gateway for supplying the UK, US, and now Turkey—especially following the recent drone agreement with Baykar.
