Italy in Advanced Talks with Elon Musk's SpaceX for €1.5 Billion Secure Telecom Deal

The proposed five-year agreement, which has not been finalized, would provide encrypted communication services for Italy's government and military, raising concerns about sovereignty and reliance on foreign technology.

Italy is negotiating a €1.5 billion deal with Elon Musk's SpaceX to provide secure telecommunications, including encrypted services for government and military use.
The Italian government confirmed talks but denied any contracts have been signed, dismissing claims that the deal was discussed during Giorgia Meloni's recent visit to Donald Trump in Florida.
The deal has reportedly been approved by Italy's Intelligence Services and Defense Ministry, though opposition leaders are demanding transparency in parliament over the potential agreement.
Critics, including European politicians, warn that reliance on SpaceX's Starlink could jeopardize Italy's sovereignty and security, especially with the EU's own satellite project IRIS² years away from completion.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has praised Musk as a 'genius' and maintained close ties with him and Trump, fueling speculation about Italy's growing alignment with U.S. right-wing political figures.