Italy questions EU’s €40 billion Ukraine aid plan, calls for detailed review

The European Union’s proposed military aid package of up to €40 billion for Ukraine raises concerns for Rome and will undergo a thorough evaluation in coordination with Italy’s Defense Ministry. 

This was stated by Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani in an interview with La Stampa, per Caliber.Az.

“So far, this plan has raised many questions from many countries. We are talking about a proposal that should be properly explained in detail and carefully analyzed. We have always helped Ukraine, but it is important to understand what costs this will entail, especially since significant investments are already required to meet NATO expenditure parameters and the rearmament plan for Europe (ReArm Europe) proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen,” Tajani said.

He noted that the discussion at the EU foreign ministers’ meeting on March 17 will be of a preliminary nature.

“The final assessment will be made in consultation with the Ministry of Defense,” he added.

Italy’s Position on a Peacekeeping Mission in Ukraine
Tajani also clarified that Italy could only consider participating in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine under strict conditions: it must be conducted under UN auspices and only after the establishment of a lasting ceasefire.

The €40 billion military aid package, which was also discussed at the EU summit on March 6, has faced delays due to unresolved issues. Despite these challenges, Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the European Commission for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, reassured that EU leaders are committed to finalizing the plan as soon as possible.

However, Hungary remains a significant obstacle, firmly opposing new arms deliveries to Kyiv.

“There is general political support, but there are still many details to be harmonized,” Kallas stated upon arriving at the meeting. She emphasized that defence ministers still need to deliberate on the proposal before it can proceed.

Hungary’s opposition threatens to prevent the plan from becoming a unified EU-wide initiative. In response, Kallas has focused on forming a "coalition of the willing," allowing individual EU nations to adjust their level of involvement based on national interests rather than enforcing a bloc-wide commitment.

By Tamilla Hasanova