Latest news with #GuidoCrosetto
Libya Review
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Saddam Haftar & Italian Defense Minister Discuss Migration & Border Security in Rome
On Thursday, the Commander of Libya's Ground Forces under the General Command, Saddam Haftar, held official talks in Rome with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto to discuss joint efforts in curbing irregular migration and tackling human trafficking networks. The visit took place in Saddam Haftar's capacity as the envoy of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, head of Libya's eastern-based armed forces. According to a statement issued by the War Information Division of the Libyan General Command, the meeting focused on the growing challenges related to migration across the central Mediterranean and the need for greater cooperation to enhance regional security. Both sides exchanged views on recent developments in the Mediterranean region and stressed the importance of a unified approach to managing migration flows, organized crime, and border security. Saddam Haftar reaffirmed the General Command's interest in building a strong, long-term strategic partnership with Italy that serves the shared interests of both countries. Minister Crosetto expressed appreciation for the role of Libyan armed forces in securing the country's borders and maintaining internal order. He acknowledged Libya's efforts in reducing irregular migration and disrupting smuggling routes, particularly in the southern regions, which serve as a key point of departure for migrants heading toward Europe. The meeting followed another session between Saddam Haftar and Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, where discussions centered on enhancing security coordination and reducing illegal crossings from North Africa to Italy. Tags: Italian MinisterItalylibyamigrationSaddam Haftarsecurity
Reuters
12-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Italy says it needs at least 10 years to raise defence spending
ROME, June 12 (Reuters) - Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Thursday said his country needs at least 10 years to raise defence spending and comply with new targets due to be agreed by NATO, adding that a deal on them could soon be reached. Italy is one of the defence spending laggards within the Western military alliance, having spent just 1.49% of gross domestic product last year against a current target of 2%, according to NATO data. Rome has said it would respect the 2% target in 2025, but mainly through a series of accounting changes which add to defence budget calculations items that were previously not included. "I believe that we can do good work with NATO and arrive at The Hague summit with an agreement ready beforehand, so that NATO can demonstrate its unity," Tajani said speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The alliance leaders will meet in The Hague on June 24-25. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, speaking in parliament, said it "is not possible" for Italy to meet U.S. requests for NATO allies to hike their defence budgets to 5% of GDP, and said an intermediate target of 3.5% "is not easy". Italy has limited room for spending, with its massive public debt projected to rise to almost 138% of GDP in 2026 before edging down the following year. "We are maintaining a conservative stance on the matter because we do not want other key investments, such as those on public health or social spending, to be affected", Crosetto said, adding that every government within NATO would need to discuss defence spending commitments with national parliaments.
Days of Palestine
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Days of Palestine
Italian Defense Minister: No Justification for Gaza War, It Must End
DaysofPal- Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto declared on Thursday that the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip 'has lost its military justification' and emphasized that there is no reason for it to continue from this perspective. 'The war must end because innocent Palestinian civilians are the ones paying the price,' Crosetto said, adding that the declared goals of the war have not been achieved, which underscores the urgent need to halt the conflict immediately. Meanwhile, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva once again accused the 'far-right government' of the Israeli occupation of committing deliberate genocide in the Gaza Strip. Speaking during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, Lula stated, 'What is happening in Gaza is not a war—it is a genocide carried out by a heavily armed army against women and children. We are witnessing a genocide before our eyes, day after day, and it is no longer acceptable.' Lula has repeatedly referred to the situation in Gaza as a genocide in previous statements. These remarks come amid escalating Israeli crimes in Gaza, including forced displacement, targeting of civilians, and denial of access to humanitarian aid. Countries such as Spain, Ireland, the UK, Canada, and France have called for a comprehensive review of their partnership agreements with the Israeli occupation, asserting that the ongoing violations contradict the democratic principles on which these agreements are based. Several nations have issued sharply worded statements demanding that the Israeli occupation immediately cease its military operations, warning of concrete measures against the Israeli government if the escalation continues. The Israeli occupation forces continue to impose a severe blockade on the Gaza Strip, preventing the entry of humanitarian aid, food, medicine, and water. This has pushed the war-torn enclave to the brink of famine, already claiming the lives of dozens of civilians. According to the latest figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza has resulted in 54,677 martyrs and 125,530 injuries of varying severity since October 7, 2023. Shortlink for this post:
Reuters
04-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Italy calls on EU to allow deficit leeway for defence spend over 20-30 years
ROME, June 4 (Reuters) - The European Union should allow member states to spread out potentially wider fiscal deficits linked to higher national defence spending up to 30 years from the four currently proposed, Italy's defence minister said on Wednesday. There is growing pressure in Europe to boost military spending to deter a potential attack from Russia and become less dependent on the United States for security, with Brussels announcing a plan earlier this year to mobilise some 800 billion euros ($910 billion). As part of this push, the European Commission has proposed allowing member states to raise defence spending by 1.5% of gross domestic product each year for four years without any disciplinary steps that would normally kick in once a deficit is more than 3% of GDP. "I think (the plan) is useful because it allows you to invest in defence during a dramatic time like this without affecting other important expenses, such as social spending. However, it should be spread over 20-30 years," Defence Minister Guido Crosetto told broadcaster SkyTG24. Italy has projected that its public debt will rise to almost 138% of GDP in 2026 before edging down the following year. "We do not want to make expenditures that we will offload onto a government that might come after ours in four years," said Crosetto, a member of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing Brothers of Italy party. "The 4 to 5 years are too few for us," he said. Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said in April that Italy wanted to wait for the outcome of the NATO summit scheduled later in June before deciding whether to use the budget leeway or not. Twelve countries have so far applied. Italian officials have however said that tapping the scheme would set back Italy's plan to bring its deficit below the 3% of GDP ceiling in 2026, from 3.8% in 2024, a commitment that has helped strengthen investor confidence. ($1 = 0.8783 euros)
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Italy to double missile interceptor production as Ukraine runs out
ROME — Italy will double production of missiles for its Samp-T air defense batteries next year, Italy's defense minister has said, as Ukraine reportedly runs out of stocks for its two batteries. In an Italian TV interview on Monday, minister Guido Crosetto said that the Italian arm of European missile house MBDA would boost production of the Aster missiles by 40% this year and 100% in 2026. But he added, 'the first deliveries that will arrive will be in a year, a year and a half.' That will be little relief to Ukraine. On Monday, French newspaper Le Monde reported that Kyiv has run out of missiles for its batteries, just as Russia steps up missile and drone attacks on the country. Ukrainian authorities said Russia fired its biggest ever drone barrage against the country on Sunday night, using 355 Shahed-type drones and nine cruise missiles. On Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said there were 'no longer any range restrictions' on missiles supplied by Western allies to Ukraine, meaning military positions in Russia could be targeted. U.S. President Donald Trump posted on his social media platform TruthSocial on Sunday: 'I've always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!' Ukraine has received two donated Samp-T batteries from Italy and France, with the second arriving from Italy in December. Italy and France jointly supplied a first battery to Ukraine in 2023. Samp-T is a truck-based tactical antimissile system designed to destroy hostile cruise missiles, manned and unmanned aircraft and tactical ballistic missiles. The battery sent by Italy last year was one of five operated by Italy. Last September, Crosetto said Italy would order ten new batteries. At the time, the Italian minister said European democracies were struggling to procure and produce weapons in a hurry. 'This is only the start and we are already late because we are not ready to face today's challenge,' he said, adding, 'We are slow because we live in a world of democracies that will always lose out to dictatorships.'
