Italy signals readiness to meet NATO’s 2% defence spending target

ROME – Italy prepares to raise defence spending to 2% of GDP, aligning with NATO targets while aiming to maintain fiscal discipline. Italy is preparing to meet NATO’s defence spending target of 2% of GDP, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Friday, adding that “an official announcement will be made soon by the Prime Minister.”

“This is a political decision we have made,” Tajani said. “It’s a direct response to calls from the United States – which are legitimate. When they say they can’t be the only ones responsible for Europe’s security, they are right.”

Tajani framed the move not only as a response to NATO commitments but also as part of a broader strategic vision. “This is a signal that Italy is ready to invest more in its security and take a leading role within NATO’s European pillar. I believe a common European defence should be our ultimate goal,” he added.

Tajani acknowledged that the 2% threshold may not be the final word: “We are respecting NATO’s request for now, but we are well aware that a further effort will likely be asked of all European allies. Spending more, coordinating better, and working differently—especially at the industrial level – will all be essential.”

Currently, Italy is among the lowest spenders in the Alliance, with 1.57% of GDP allocated to defence in its 2025 budget. According to NATO estimates released in June 2024, Italy was one of eight member states – out of 31 – not expected to meet the 2% target that year.

The Meloni government welcomed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal to introduce a safeguard clause for defence investments under the EU’s fiscal framework, a reform Italy claims to have long advocated.

However, Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti made clear that Rome aims to meet NATO’s target without activating its national safeguard clause to suspend the EU’s Stability and Growth Pact. “The goal is to honour our commitments while maintaining fiscal responsibility,” Giorgetti said at the informal Ecofin summit in Warsaw on Saturday.