Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto says NATO alliance strengthened after Ankara summit

Defence Minister Guido Crosetto told Corriere della Sera that the summit in Ankara was a success and that the NATO alliance is now more solid. He affirmed Italy’s commitment to raise defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, noting the current level of 2.01% of GDP (2.8% when security items are included) and outlining a gradual increase to 2.3% next year and 2.6% the following year.

Crosetto warned that Iran’s strategy of closing the Strait of Hormuz is a “strongest weapon” that threatens global trade, and described a split within Tehran between a military wing seeking an end to the war and an integralist faction willing to sacrifice the country. He also criticised Russia’s threat to Europe and said the United States, under former President Trump, is pressing European countries to assume greater responsibility for their own defence.

He stressed that any additional defence funding will be sought from the EU without cutting social programmes, emphasizing that the increase will support not only weapons but also salaries, pensions, research, technology and jobs in the defence industry.