Italian PM slams "Rearm Europe" plan, calls for broader focus beyond weapons

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed concerns over the European Commission's "Rearm Europe" plan, proposed by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, arguing that the plan should not focus solely on the procurement of weapons.

"I have asked for clarification on what is meant by defence spending. The issue of ensuring security today is much broader than simply purchasing weapons. It involves natural resources, critical reserves, strategic infrastructure, cybersecurity, border protection, and the fight against terrorism. These issues cannot be solved by weapon purchases. Cybersecurity is not ensured through weapons. We need to understand where this funding will be directed," Meloni said during a speech in the lower house of parliament, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Meloni also pointed out that the increase in defence spending is linked to rising external government debt, an issue that poses particular concern for Italy. She emphasised the importance of fostering private sector investments in defence, stating that Italy is actively working to improve its defence offerings.

"We are trying to improve the offer," she added. The prime minister underscored that defence is a key condition for freedom, reaffirming her support for increasing investments in the sector. However, Meloni made it clear that European defence cannot be separated from NATO and the United States, calling any suggestion otherwise an "illusion". 

Addressing the scale of von der Leyen's proposed 800 billion euro ($871 billion) plan, Meloni described it as "cumbersome", questioning its feasibility in terms of its sheer total amount. Reassuring the public, Meloni also stated that Italy would not allocate funds from the European development fund, which is designated for underdeveloped regions, to finance defence spending. Currently, Italy is one of the countries most behind in meeting NATO’s defence spending target of 2 per cent of GDP. While defence spending slightly exceeds 1.5 per cent, Rome has committed to reaching the 2 per cent target by 2028.

Ursula von der Leyen previously announced plans to initiate a full-scale arms race in Europe. She unveiled a funding plan for the rapid militarisation of European industry, amounting to 800 billion euros over the next four years. However, the European Commission itself intends to raise less than 20 per cent of this sum — 150 billion euros ($163 billion) — through the issuance of euro bonds. The remaining 650 billion euros ($707 billion) will need to be sourced by EU countries from their national budgets and through government loans.

To raise this amount, the European Commission plans to loosen budgetary discipline within the EU and allow member states to increase their budget deficits beyond the 3 per cent limit set by the Stability and Growth Pact. The Commission also intends to permit member states to use funds from the European Development Fund for underdeveloped regions to finance military spending. These measures are being implemented to facilitate large-scale military orders and encourage European businesses to rapidly expand weapons and ammunition production.

This plan is set to be a key component of the EU's White Paper on Defence. EU leaders are expected to discuss both documents during the scheduled summit on March 20-21.

By Naila Huseynova