Italian Defence Minister Crosetto calls for stronger peace defence amid Ukraine's EU bid

Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto said his department should be called the “defence of peace”, arguing that autonomous deterrence is essential for Italy’s security and for protecting future generations. He criticised opponents who ignore the need for strong defence capabilities.

Crosetto noted that the war in Ukraine makes EU accession difficult for Kyiv and stressed the importance of diplomatic dialogue, including a possible reopening of the Hormuz Strait pending a US‑Iran agreement. He announced that Italian naval vessels have already been deployed to the Gulf for minesweeping to keep a vital shipping lane open.

He warned that Russian drones have crossed into Romania and that Russia’s recent constitutional changes, absorbing four contested Ukrainian regions, complicate peace talks. Crosetto referenced NATO’s decision to raise defence spending to 3.5 % of GDP and the United States’ statement that it can no longer bear Europe’s security alone.