Italian ruling coalition clashes over EU defense fund request
Italy's ruling coalition faces tension over a €14.9 billion EU defense fund request, while Russian spy networks in Milan and Middle East shipping disruptions spark wider concern.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced plans to apply for €14.9 billion from the European Union's Safe fund for military procurement, triggering friction within Italy's ruling coalition as representatives from Lega and Brothers of Italy insisted that any decision requires parliamentary approval.
Concurrently, a Milan court revealed that Russian intelligence services have recruited ordinary Italian citizens to collect sensitive military and NATO information in exchange for payments.
Internationally, Gulf states, mediated by Oman, have offered financial compensation to Iran to help unblock the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime traffic disruptions risk up to $90 billion in losses. Domestically, public frustration persists over a government decree granting lower fuel subsidies to diesel drivers affected by energy price spikes caused by the Middle East crisis.
Sources: Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Stampa.
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