Italian coalition split over EU defense loan amid fuel crisis and security concerns

Italy's governing coalition is managing political friction after Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced plans to request €14.9 billion from the European Union's Safe defense fund, drawing pushback from coalition partners Lega and Brothers of Italy, who insisted on parliamentary oversight.

Domestically, the government faces criticism over a new decree addressing fuel price increases caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The measure offers lower subsidies to diesel drivers, sparking public dissatisfaction. Meanwhile, Oman is mediating a proposal from Gulf nations to offer financial contributions to persuade Iran to unblock the Strait, where maritime disruptions threaten damages up to $90 billion.

Separately, judicial documents from Milan revealed that Russian intelligence agencies have been paying ordinary Italian citizens to collect sensitive military and NATO information.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Stampa.