Italy sees continued cooperation as U.S. weighs European defense role

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto met with U.S. officials in Washington, aiming to clarify Italy's role and commitment amidst discussions of a potential U.S. military "drawdown" from Europe. Crosetto expressed optimism following his meetings, emphasizing a "friendly" and cooperative relationship with no signs of deterioration.

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I think Trump will arrive in Ankara well-disposed towards NATO. He has asked Europe and the NATO countries to commit more; if he sees that they commit more, he will understand that NATO has a future.

Crosetto addressed concerns about U.S. military bases in Italy, stating he had heard nothing about a withdrawal. Instead, he suggested there are opportunities for greater bilateral cooperation in the future. He also commented on former President Trump's remarks regarding the Sigonella base, noting uncertainty about the exact reasons for Trump's statements following Italy's refusal to use the base for operations in Iran.

Regarding potential U.S. reductions in air and maritime power in Europe, as reported by outlets like The New York Times and Welt, Crosetto suggested that many of the assets potentially being withdrawn could be replaced by European capabilities. He noted that while Europe lacks certain specialized assets, these are not typically used in standard operations. He believes this situation presents an opportunity for Europeans to enhance their own defense contributions.

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The growing leadership role of Italy in European defense is due in large part to the Prime Minister's commitment. European allies, including Italy, must assume, and I know they are doing so, the fundamental responsibility for Europe's conventional defense and take on a greater share of the burden.

Crosetto also indicated Italy's technical readiness to engage in mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, contingent on a formal agreement and mutual consent between the involved parties. He stressed that such missions are not intended for warfare but for demining and require parliamentary authorization.

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The meeting was friendly and showed total willingness to cooperate, without any controversy, I don't think the relationship has deteriorated at all. I haven't heard talk of a withdrawal; in fact, there are margins for even greater bilateral cooperation in the future.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praised Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's leadership in European defense, urging European allies, including Italy, to assume greater responsibility for conventional defense and share more of the burden. Hegseth acknowledged that European nations are increasingly taking on this responsibility.

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The majority of the assets that would be withdrawn or would like to be withdrawn from Europe, both in quantity and type, are easily replaceable by European ones, except for those that Europeans do not have, and essentially there is only one, and it is not an asset that is normally used. I don't see it as a problem: neither an unexpected request nor difficult to sustain.