The Italian government has increased its defence budget to €1.92 billion, introducing rapid response forces capable of deployment within five days and extending all active missions. This strategic enhancement aims to meet NATO objectives amid rising tensions on the Eastern Front and Western Balkans
Raising the stakes. In a significant move, the Italian government has boosted funding for international missions.
- The new decree, approved on Wednesday at the Council of Ministers, increases the total allocation for defence missions by an additional €100 million for 2024, bringing the total to €1.92 billion.
- A key feature of this initiative is the funding for “High and Ultra-High Operational Readiness Forces,” specialised battalions ready for deployment within five days following government approval and parliamentary confirmation.
- These forces, established last year on an international rapid response model, were initially focused on the Mediterranean in response to Houthi attacks on European shipping.
- However, the focus has shifted to the Eastern Front due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and rising tensions in the Western Balkans.
Extended commitments. In addition to the rapid response initiative, all active missions – including Operation Levante in the Middle East and Eunavfor Aspides in the Red Sea – have been extended for another year.
- Current projections indicate an average deployment of 7,751 military personnel, with peaks potentially reaching 12,109 units to address emergencies on NATO’s eastern flank.
Funding priorities. A total of €1.51 billion has been allocated to the Ministry of Defence, including €500 million earmarked for 2026.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will receive €363 million, of which €60 million will be dedicated to enhancing the security of overseas missions.
- This need was highlighted by the recent incident involving journalist Cecilia Sala and increasing tensions with Iran.
- Furthermore, intelligence services will also increase, with the external agency AISE receiving €32 million.
- This funding boost represents a significant step towards accelerating defence spending and achieving NATO’s new objectives, as the new US President, Donald Trump, demanded.
