Italy's coalition battles over EU SAFE defence loan

The European Union has set up a €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) fund that will raise market‑based loans for member‑state defence investments. Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani said the country intends to request up to €14.9 billion, later clarifying that the figure is a maximum and that the final amount will be known later in the year.

Within the governing coalition, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Matteo Salvini and other leaders are at odds over who should have the final say on the use of the money. One minister warned, “Sull’uso dei fondi Safe l’ultima parola spetta al Parlamento.” Critics argue the loan adds debt, question the assumed interest‑rate savings and demand publication of the loan agreement. The fund is still being activated; the exact contribution will be set by the EU, with a decision expected by December.