ROME – Italy is preparing to take the helm of the 5+5 Defence Initiative in 2027, as the Western Mediterranean security forum puts cyber defence, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies increasingly at the centre of its cooperation agenda.
Driving the news: Italy’s Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Luigi Del Bene, represented Chief of Defence Gen. Luciano Portolano at the initiative’s 18th meeting of Chiefs of Defence in Paris on Monday.
- The gathering brought together Algeria, France, Italy, Libya, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco, Portugal, Spain and Tunisia to review ongoing activities and set priorities for future cooperation.
What they’re saying: Del Bene said today’s strategic environment, marked by increasingly interconnected crises and threats, requires shared responses and cooperation across all domains.
- He described the 5+5 framework as a practical instrument for “dialogue, mutual trust and shared responsibility.”
Zoom in: Cyber and new technologies featured prominently in the discussions. Italy continues to lead the 5+5 Cyber Forum and used the Paris meeting to reiterate its focus on collective resilience, information sharing and coordinated response capabilities.
- On AI, participants highlighted the work of CEMRES, the Euro-Maghreb Centre for Research and Strategic Studies, in assessing the opportunities and risks associated with technological change.
The bigger picture: The joint declaration confirmed cooperation across a broad security portfolio, including cyber defence, AI, counterterrorism, maritime security, search and rescue, military medical support and disaster response. Joint training and exercises were also identified as tools to improve interoperability and mutual trust.
What’s next: Italy will assume the presidency of the 5+5 Defence Initiative in 2027. Rome says its priority will be to ensure continuity while strengthening the initiative’s inclusive and pragmatic character — and its ability to adapt to emerging regional security challenges.
(Photo: Ministero della Difesa)
