Italy's defence sub-secretary Rauti backs EU SAFE loan request

Isabella Rauti, Italy’s under‑secretary for defence, said the government intends to apply for the EU’s Strategic Auto‑Financing for Europe (SAFE) loan, amounting to €14.9 billion. She explained that the loan could be repaid over a maximum of 45 years with favourable interest, but it carries strict conditions: Italy must present a national defence‑investment plan, engage in joint procurement with another EU member state, and ensure at least 65 % of the final product’s value originates from the EU.

Rauti stressed that the decision on accessing SAFE is a technical matter for the parliament and will be taken by the end of the year. She framed the move as Italy and the EU taking responsibility for their own defence and security, rather than reacting to external pressure, and highlighted the aim of strengthening Europe’s NATO pillar while preserving fiscal balance amid wider defence and energy spending.

The interview underscored Italy’s commitment to a long‑term, EU‑focused defence strategy that reduces reliance on external actors while meeting the bloc’s strategic autonomy goals.