Brussels (ANSA) – The EU is intensifying its efforts on military mobility, aimed at modernizing member states’ infrastructure to facilitate the transportation of troops and equipment as needed. During an extraordinary meeting of the Ten-T committee, which included member states and commissioners Apostolos Tzitzikostas (Transport) and Andrius Kubilius (Defense), discussions centered on “500 priority projects that require urgent attention” and funding strategies.
In Italy, attention is focused on the Messina Bridge, which may be categorized as a dual-use project. A European Commission spokesperson stated that it is for the Italian authorities to determine whether the bridge’s primary purpose is military or civilian, noting that the classification of public spending relies on the Cofog (Classification of the Functions of Government) framework used by the OECD and UN.
“This is crucial for activating the national safeguard clause, permitting an increase in defense expenditures without the risk of the Commission starting a procedure for excessive deficits,” the spokesperson clarified. Italy has three primary options.
It can fund the Messina Bridge using solely national resources, include it in the list of projects that activate the safeguard clause with appropriate justifications (which Rome currently does not plan to pursue), or seek European co-financing (various options are available in this context). Regardless, it will contribute to NATO spending concerning security (1.5%) and help achieve the 5% target by July 1.
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