Shedding the Ancient Role: Meloni's Minister Voices Doubts on NATO's Current Legitimacy
Italy's Minister Meloni denies NATO's existing form justifies its purpose
Italy, once a stalwart of NATO, now seems to question the relevance of the Western defense alliance in its present form. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto recently voiced his concerns, stating, "NATO's purpose is no longer legitimate." Crosetto believes that the world has moved on, and NATO needs to adapt. For harmony and mutual protection, it's essential to collaborate with the global south.
Founded by Italy in 1949, NATO has been a cornerstone of the nation's defense strategy for over seven decades. The upcoming NATO summit will bring together its now 32 members, including the United States under President Donald Trump. Crosetto, a close confidant of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, shares the right-wing Fratelli d'Italia party's perspectives.
Expressing broader concerns, Crosetto also commented on the European Union's role: "We continue to speak as if we're living in the past. Europe should've assumed a political role, but it hasn't. If it had an external policy or defense, maybe it could've mattered, but its time has passed - and I say this with a heavy heart."
Meloni came to power in Rome in 2022 with substantial criticism of the EU. However, she has proven to be a reliable ally, particularly in Ukraine policy. As the head of a coalition of three right-wing and conservative parties, Meloni has exhibited a balanced stance towards NATO.
The day before, Spain raised objections to NATO's plan to boost defense spending to 5% of GDP. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez communicated this to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in a letter.
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While Italy maintains a firm pro-NATO stance, it advocates for NATO's adaptation to contemporary security challenges. Officials emphasize the need for enhanced European interoperability within the alliance rather than independent European military structures. They support robust NATO defense spending and increased integration within NATO, and see the transatlantic partnership as crucial to European and Italian security. This stance reflects a pragmatic approach built on cooperation, interoperability, and economic prudence over unilateral European military ambitions.
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive regarding Italy's proposed adjustments to NATO's structure, as politics surrounding the alliance's relevance in the current global news landscape continues to evolve. This shift in perspective, led by Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, is reminiscent of Giorgia Meloni's stance towards NATO, as Italy advocates for the alliance's adaptation to contemporary security challenges.
