Italy plans to request €14.9 billion from the European Union’s SAFE scheme to support military spending, according to the report. The funding request is expected to be submitted by the end of the year.
The sum was also described as about $16.94 billion. The report links the move to Italy’s effort to use the EU defense mechanism as a source of financing for national military needs.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani was cited in connection with the plan. While only limited details were available, the report indicates the request would be part of Italy’s broader defense spending strategy.
If submitted as outlined, the request would mark a significant use of the EU’s SAFE scheme by one of the bloc’s largest members. The development also highlights how European governments are looking to regional funding tools to back defense-related budgets.
