In her speech, Meloni rejected the opinion that she advocated Donald Trump "against Europe", stressing that she always stands for Italy and the European Union. The Prime Minister assured that it was her work to defend the unity of the West and rebuild it if necessary. She drew attention to the topics they shared, but stressed that it was not possible to act impulsively, but with balance.
Meloni criticised any of the political leaders in Italy who call for a break-up with the United States and those who support a line whereby Europe should not spend funds on its security. The Prime Minister pointed out that specified an approach is inconsistent due to the fact that it is proposed to break the alliance with the US and at the same time ask them to address Europe's security.
The EU's reinforcement plan divided the Italian political class. Meloni Group – Italian Brothers and Coalition Forza Italia advocate for him, while the League of Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini is against. The divisions are besides on the centre-left side of the opposition, with the 5 Star Movement acting decisively against this plan.
According to the European Institute, in 2022 European Union military spending amounted to around 1.5% of GDP, which is much little than US military spending, which is about 3.5% of GDP. The European Institute expert, Dr. Witold M. Orłowski, pointed out that Europe should increase its military spending in order to be able to defend its interests.
It is worth noting that the European Union has about 500 million inhabitants and over 18 trillion euro of GDP, which makes it 1 of the largest markets in the world. However, Europe inactive depends on the US on safety issues, which could be a threat to the stableness and safety of the continent.
In July 2022, the European Council adopted the European Union's safety strategy, which assumes increased military spending and strengthening the Union's defence. This strategy was adopted in consequence to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, which threatened the stableness and safety of Europe.
It is besides worth noting that Poland is 1 of the biggest beneficiaries of EU funds for safety and defence. According to the Ministry of Defence data, in 2022 Poland received over EUR 1 billion for safety and defence purposes. This appropriation is intended to cover the modernisation of the armed forces and the strengthening of the country's defence.
In February 2023, the European Union adopted a fresh safety strategy which assumes increased military spending and strengthening the Union's defence. This strategy responds to the safety threats that Europe is facing, including Russia's aggression against Ukraine and terrorist threats.
It is worth noting that Europe should strengthen its defence in order to be able to defend its interests and security. Therefore, expanding military spending and strengthening the defence of the European Union is essential to guarantee the stableness and safety of the continent.
