Italy considers extending its defense budget as it faces challenges in achieving NATO objectives

Italy is contemplating the inclusion of police and coastguard services in its defense budget to demonstrate a swift increase in security expenditures, as it struggles to meet NATO targets set by the U.S., according to two government sources. This approach, described as unconventional by a former Italian NATO envoy, may not violate the alliance’s regulations, highlighting the difficulties nations face in responding to U.S. President Donald Trump’s calls for increased contributions.

Italy‘s anticipated defense budget for 2024 is projected at 1.49% of its gross domestic product, according to NATO data, which falls short of the current 2% target that Trump aims to elevate to 5%. The unnamed sources indicated that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni might incorporate the coastguard and certain national police forces into the defense budget to approach the 2% goal without requiring additional funding. A third source mentioned that any such proposal would need cabinet approval, although it remains unclear when this plan will be reviewed.

NATO has not yet responded to a request for comment, and the Italian defense ministry stated it has no information regarding the proposal. According to a factsheet on NATO’s website, coastguards and police can be counted in defense spending, but only “in proportion to the forces that are trained in military tactics, are equipped as a military force, and can operate under direct military authority in deployed operations.” Stefano Stefanini, a former Italian ambassador to NATO, noted that he had not seen other countries pursue a similar strategy but believed it could receive approval. “I don’t think NATO would object to such an initiative if it is well-structured and presented,” he remarked.

The European Commission has suggested that all 27 EU member states be allowed to raise their defense expenditures by 1.5% of GDP annually for four years without facing any disciplinary actions, as the union considers strategies to address potential threats from Russia.

However, with public debt projected to rise to nearly 138% of GDP from 135.3% in 2024, Italy finds itself with limited flexibility. This situation has led Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti to propose a collective guarantee scheme to EU members to finance this increased spending while minimizing the effects on national budgets.

Defense remains a contentious topic in Italy, as a recent survey conducted by Corriere della Sera revealed that nearly 40% of respondents oppose the European Commission’s initiative to bolster the bloc’s military capabilities, while less than 30% support it.