Italy’s draft budget provides €4.8 billion in additional funding for Defence next year and €10.9 billion over the three years covered by the bill. About 85% of the extra resources are concentrated in 2027 and 2028, largely because the spending relies on the national escape clause allowing certain measures to be financed through deficits beyond EU fiscal limits. The clause is due to expire in two years.
The largest allocation is for multi-year national defence investment programmes, with €2.6 billion planned for each of 2027 and 2028. Defence operations and routine maintenance are set to receive €1 billion next year and €844 million in the following year. The Joint Rapid Response Force, intended to provide an immediate response to crises, is allocated €267 million in each of those two years.
The NATO Security Investment Programme is due to receive €134.8 million in 2027 and €196.7 million in 2028. The budget also sets aside €164.3 million across the two years to renew and modernise the Carabinieri, as well as €4.5 million for Italy’s National Underwater Hub.
Other measures in the bill include €104 million over two years for military infrastructure and €47.9 million for the Global Combat Air Programme, a next-generation fighter project involving Leonardo, the UK’s BAE Systems and Japan’s Jaiec. A further €1.47 billion over three years is designated for defence-related legislative measures, while €174.9 million is allocated to Carabinieri recruitment and overtime.
The Strade Sicure programme, which deploys military personnel in cities, receives €4.7 million. The bill also provides €368.7 million next year and €558.9 million in 2028 for international missions. These funds are administered through the Economy Ministry but are included in the integrated defence budget.
Sources: Il Sole 24 Ore Italia.