ROME — After the NATO summit in Ankara, Italy is positioning itself as a stronger European contributor to the Alliance while insisting that greater European responsibility should reinforce—not replace—the transatlantic partnership.
The government’s message combines deterrence, diplomacy and the protection of Italy’s national interests.
Why it matters: Italy argues that a stronger European pillar makes NATO more credible rather than creating an alternative to the Alliance.
- Rome is shifting the debate from defense spending targets to operational capabilities.
- The government sees the eastern flank and the wider Mediterranean as part of the same security landscape.
- Hybrid threats — from cyberattacks to espionage — are presented as an increasingly central part of NATO’s security agenda.
The big picture: Italian officials describe the post-Ankara environment as one in which European security can no longer be taken for granted. Against that backdrop, Rome is calling for greater responsibility from European allies while maintaining the United States as the cornerstone of collective defense.
- Crosetto summarized the government’s approach with a clear message: “A stronger Europe makes NATO stronger.” The objective, he argued, is not to replace the Alliance but to make it more credible through stronger national contributions. He warned that assuming the United States can continue to shoulder Europe’s defense alone would be a mistake.
Zoom in: From spending to capabilities. Tajani said Italy has raised security spending to 2.8% of GDP and intends to remain on track toward the 5% target by 2035, while respecting public finance constraints and Parliament’s prerogatives.
- Crosetto, however, argued that percentages alone are not enough. He identified air and missile defense, ammunition, long-range deterrence, space, cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence and advanced logistics as key capability gaps that must be addressed.
- “As long as there is no security, there can be no economic growth, investment, social rights or lasting prosperity,” he said.
Ukraine and hybrid threats. Ukraine remains the government’s primary strategic reference point.
- Tajani argued that Russia “is not winning” the war but added that Moscow has shown “no serious willingness for peace.” He condemned attacks on hospitals, schools and energy infrastructure, reaffirming Italy’s support for Kyiv, continued pressure through sanctions and a European role in any future negotiation.
- Crosetto placed the conflict within a broader pattern of competition, saying Russia combines conventional military power with cyber operations, disinformation, hostile intelligence activities and an expanding presence in the Arctic and Africa.
- Tajani also referred to the expulsion of two Russian military attachés accused of espionage, stating that “Italy does not tolerate hostile activities on its territory.” The episode illustrates, in the government’s view, that the confrontation extends beyond the battlefield to critical infrastructure, democratic institutions and public trust.
Zoom out: The southern flank. Rome argues that NATO’s security challenges extend well beyond the Alliance’s eastern border.
- Tajani linked the Gulf, Lebanon, the Red Sea and the wider Mediterranean into a single arc of instability. He said the Strait of Hormuz must remain “free and open,” stressing that freedom of navigation directly affects Italy’s economy and supply chains.
- Italy, he added, is prepared to contribute within multilateral initiatives, provided they are backed by parliamentary authorization, a stable ceasefire and a clear mandate.
- Lebanon remains one of the government’s most sensitive dossiers. Rome is working with allies, beginning with France, on the international presence that could follow the current UNIFIL mandate. Tajani also announced a new round of dialogue in Rome, presenting Italy as an active participant in efforts aimed at strengthening the Lebanese state’s control over its territory.
The bottom line: Italy’s post-Ankara strategy rests on a dual message: Europe should assume greater responsibility for its own security while remaining firmly anchored to NATO and the transatlantic relationship.
- For Rome, stronger military capabilities, sustained support for Ukraine and greater attention to the Alliance’s southern flank are presented as complementary pillars of the same security strategy.
