Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is exploring a collaboration worth 1.5 billion euros with Elon Musk’s Starlink, despite recent criticism from leaders like French President Macron, German Chancellor Scholz, and UK Prime Minister Starmer. Italy aims to use Starlink’s services for secure government and military communications in the Mediterranean and during emergencies over the next five years.
Meloni describes the negotiations as routine government-business dialogues. The timing is notable as the European Commission plans to develop its own satellite network to reduce reliance on Musk.
Discussions with Starlink have accelerated since Meloni’s recent Florida visit. Former Italian Prime Minister Renzi and other opposition figures question the move, citing national security concerns.
The European Commission has an alternative satellite project, IRIS2, set to launch in five years, with funding secured until 2027. While Italy remains involved in IRIS2, the decision to engage with Starlink might signal waning enthusiasm for the European project.
Negotiations with Starlink are advanced, with agreement from Italian security services and the Ministry of Defense.
Source: NOS