Key facts
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni demanded the abolition of EU member state "rebates" or Italy will seek them.
- Meloni stated Italy will increase its defence budget to approximately 2.8% of national output by 2026.
- Meloni argued that warfare is being transformed by drones, satellites, and data, questioning the value of traditional military assets.
- British Defence Minister John Healey resigned over a dispute regarding military spending levels.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is pushing for a significant increase in her country's defence spending, aiming for approximately 2.8% of GDP by 2026. Addressing parliament, Meloni stated that NATO allies need to reassess military priorities in light of modern warfare, which is increasingly dominated by drones, satellites, and data. She highlighted that drones costing around €20,000 ($23,000) can destroy tanks costing millions, suggesting a re-evaluation of strategic assets. Meloni also indicated that Italy would seek to abolish EU member state "rebates" if they are not scrapped entirely, a stance that aligns with her earlier demands for the EU's next long-term budget. The comments come as U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged European nations to increase their defence outlays. The tensions surrounding military spending were underscored by the resignation of British Defence Minister John Healey, who cited a dispute over resources needed to counter heightened threats.