Defense, Crosetto: "False information on the increase in military spending, theItaly has not made any commitments”

The Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, categorically denies the news regarding an alleged proposal to increase Italian military spending to 3% of GDP. In an official note, Crosetto clarifies that Italy has not made any commitment in this sense  calls for a correct interpretation of his statements made during the NATO ministerial meeting in Brussels.

 "Regarding some news that appeared in national newspapers, according to which I proposed to increase Italian military spending to 3% of GDP, it is necessary to clarify that this is false and unfounded information.

During the press briefing on February 13 in Brussels, I simply outlined the requests made by the United States, the positions expressed by several allies and the statements of the Secretary General of NATO, specifying that many countries agreed to increase the percentage of Gross Domestic Product to be allocated to Defense. I also anticipated that the next Atlantic Council will discuss the possibility of reviewing spending commitments.

However, contrary to what some articles have reported, I have never stated that Italy has taken a position on a possible increase to 3%. On the contrary, I have clearly underlined that it was neither the time nor the context for a decision in this sense.

Attributing to me an initiative that I have never taken means spreading inaccurate and misleading news. I therefore invite a careful and correct reading of my statements, so that the public debate can take place on truthful bases and not on erroneous interpretations.“. declared the Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto.