The European Parliament has recently approved the EU’s rearmament plan, a measure aimed at significantly strengthening the Union’s military capabilities in response to growing geopolitical threats and security challenges in Europe. However, the decision has sparked deep divisions within Italy, both within the government and the opposition, as well as within the Democratic Party (Pd), with contrasting views on the necessity and implications of this choice.
The plan, which received the approval of the majority of European Parliament members, is presented as a direct response to increasing international tensions, particularly with Russia, and in the context of rising global instability. The goal of the European Union is to make Europe more self-reliant in defense, reducing dependence on NATO and the United States in terms of defense capabilities, and strengthening resources allocated to collective security.
The plan includes increasing investments in military technology, purchasing advanced equipment, and enhancing cooperation among member states, creating a European army that can respond quickly and in a coordinated manner to threats.
In Italy, the issue of rearmament has divided both the government and the opposition. The right-wing coalition supporting Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is split on the position to adopt regarding the strengthening of European military capabilities. While Meloni has supported the idea of a stronger Europe on the defense front, some members of her party, Brothers of Italy, express reservations about the scope of the initiative and the increase in military spending.
Within the government, differences are also evident among various ministers. While some center-right figures push for greater commitment, others, more cautious, fear that Europe might embark on an arms race that would further strain economic resources at a time of hardship for many Italian families.
The opposition is also divided on the issue. On one side, some argue that the European Union must strengthen its military to better protect its borders and security, maintaining that Italy should contribute to this effort in an increasingly unstable international context. On the other side, there are political forces that firmly oppose the increase in military spending, calling instead for a focus on peace policies, diplomacy, and reducing social inequalities.
Within the Democratic Party (Pd), the divisions are particularly noticeable. While some Pd members have supported the EU rearmament, viewing it as necessary for Italy and Europe’s security, others within the party have opposed it, questioning the prudence of increasing military spending, especially at a time when the country faces internal economic challenges and social crises.
The division in Italy over the issue of European rearmament reflects the difficulty in finding a balance between the need for security and the management of economic resources. While Italy has been supportive of a stronger European defense in certain international forums, the internal situation remains complex, with significant differences among political actors. The decision on increasing the EU’s military capabilities will be a central issue in Italy’s political debate in the coming months, with the public and political leaders continuing to discuss the implications of a choice that could have repercussions both on foreign policy and domestic policy.