Rome (Eurotoday) – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said an EU Commission proposal to exclude defence spending from the EU’s Stability Pact is a first step, but more has to be done.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and visiting Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed after meeting at Palazzo Chigi that they appreciated defence spending being excluded from the Stability Pact and now more efforts were needed to increase the continent’s spending to defend itself.
We must spend more but also implement investments,
the two leaders expressed in a joint statement.
The choice of the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to exclude Defence spending from the Stability Pact is the first step and I think other solutions must follow.
Meloni’s finance minister, Giancarlo Giorgetti, has already explained the escape clause as a success for Italy. Because of its high public debt ratio and low economic growth, Italy is behind most European countries in terms of defence spending as a percentage of GDP.
How does Meloni view the EU’s defence spending proposal?
Two weeks ago, Giorgia Meloni’s office welcomed the statement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that she desires to trigger an emergency clause to permit governments greater scope for military blank”>spending by not measuring the expenditure in budget deficit limits.
The Italian government welcomes with satisfaction the announcement by the President of the European Commission concerning new initiatives aimed at increasing investments in the defence sector, starting – as Italy has been requesting for some time – with the exclusion of such expenditure from the Stability Pact,
Giorgia Meloni’s office stated.
“This is a first, fundamental step in the right direction, which will also have to be followed by the establishment of common financial instruments.
Moreover, it said,
The Italian government is ready to work constructively with the European institutions and with the other member states to achieve these important objectives together, starting with the forthcoming presentation of the EU Defence White Paper.
Comments
6 responses to “Meloni: Excluding EU Defence Spending is Only the First Step”
-
Oh, brilliant! Just what we needed: a *first step* into a black hole of military spending—because who needs a stable economy when you can throw money at tanks and fancy uniforms, right? 💸💂♂️
-
So, Meloni thinks excluding defence spending from the Stability Pact is a stroke of genius? Just wait till we start counting how many steps it takes to actually defend ourselves—at this rate, we might need a bloody marathon! 😂💸
-
Oh, marvellous! Who knew that excluding defence spending from the Stability Pact was just the appetizer before the full-blown military buffet? 🍽️ Let’s hope the main course comes with a side of fiscal responsibility—just in case! 😏
-
Oh great, just what we need—more ways to spend our hard-earned Euros on defense! I guess the real “Pact” here is figuring out how to make our wallets a bit lighter while claiming it’s for our own good. 🤷♂️💸
-
Oh brilliant, so we’re just going to ignore defence spending like a bad habit, eh? Next step, let’s just toss the Stability Pact in the Tiber and call it a day! 😂💸
-
Oh, splendid! Just what we needed—more budget for ‘defence’ while our spaghetti budget remains on a diet. 🍝💸 Can’t wait for the next step: funding a new line of tanks shaped like pasta! 🍝🚜
Last News
Challenges Faced by Indigenous Peoples: ‘An Affront to Dignity and Justice’
Indigenous communities continue to be excluded from critical decision-making processes that impact their lives, cultures, and rights, according to Aluki Kotierk, Chair of the 24th United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII).
At this year’s UNPFII session, held at UN Headquarters in New York, participants are focus
“Francis’ Striking Simplicity Set Him Apart in Meetings with the Pope”
Eeklo – The Orthodox religious leader of Benelux had several opportunities to meet Pope Francis, primarily through repeated personal interactions with Athenagoras Peckstadt of Eeklo. “Compared to his predecessors, Francis’ simplicity was very striking,” recalled Athenagoras Peckstadt.
Metropolitan Athenagoras Peckstadt used the moment to reflect on Pope Francis following the Pontiff’s passing. H
What Will Happen After Pope Francis’ Death?
Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the papal conclave. About 120 of them cast their secret ballots by writing the name of their chosen candidate and placing the slip into a chalice on the altar.
If no candidate secures the required two-thirds majority, additional voting rounds are held—up to four pe
Pope’s Passing: EU Commemorates a Leader with Unwavering Compassion for the Disadvantaged
In a similar vein, European Council President Antonio Costa shared his aspirations on social media, expressing his hope that the teachings of Pope Francis will “lead us towards a hopeful futu
UN Chief Hails Pope Francis as “A Transcendent Voice for Peace”
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected to the papacy in March 2013. He made history as the first pontiff from the Americas and quickly became known as a powerful advocate f
Pope Francis’s Death Deeply Affects Abuse Survivor Emmanuel Henckens
Genk (Eurotoday) – The death of Pope Francis deeply affected Emmanuel Henckens from Genk, a survivor of clerical sexual abuse. Selected as one of 15 victims invited to speak privately with the Pope, Henckens recalls seeing genuine sorrow in his eyes. “I saw the pain in his eyes, it also caused him a lot of grief,” he said.
Emmanuel Henckens, who endured abuse within the Catholic Church, cont
Top Contenders to Succeed Pope Francis
Pope Francis Passes Away on Easter Monday at 88, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Faith and Service
The global Catholic community and people around the world are mourning the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. According to Vatican News, his death was officially announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, at 9:45 AM from Casa Santa
Heartfelt Meetings Between Priest Gianluca Loperfido and Pope Francis
Bree (Eurotoday) – Gianluca Loperfido, a priest serving the communities of Bree and Bocholt in the Flemish province of Limburg, Belgium, will fondly remember Pope Francis as “a man full of joy.” Loperfido had the unique opportunity to meet the pontiff on seven separate occasions, including a final encounter just days before the Pope was hospitalized.
Recounting his meetings, Priest Loperfido exp
Pope Francis Passes Away at 88
According to media reports, Pope Francis’s final major diplomatic engagement came during a brief Easter Sunday meeting with J.D. Vance, whose motorcade spent just 17 minutes within the Vatican walls during the lightning visit.
As a progressive voice within the traditional confines of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis will be
Leave a Reply