Italian President Sergio Mattarella has called for faster progress towards a common European defence and stronger cooperation within NATO, warning that international law and long-standing alliances are under pressure. He said closer integration is needed to protect Italy’s freedoms and uphold international law against external threats.
Speaking at the Quirinal Palace during a ceremony for National Unity and Armed Forces Day, Mattarella said European countries should make a more concrete, coordinated effort to ensure their military capabilities can operate together. He described this as essential both to a shared EU defence and to strengthening the Atlantic Alliance.
The ceremony was marked by the deaths of four Italian soldiers in Bosnia. Mattarella called it a sad day and recalled the recent funerals, praising the work of the Armed Forces, the Military Red Cross and the Guardia di Finanza. He said their contributions in stabilisation missions, support for communities in crisis areas and assistance to allied countries are widely recognised by Italians.
He also acknowledged military personnel working alongside police forces in Italy. Mattarella said the changing international situation should not lead the Armed Forces away from the constitutional values that guide their conduct.
He restated Italy’s commitment to peace, saying the Republic rejects war as an instrument of aggression and seeks to uphold dialogue, international cooperation, respect for law and international organisations.
Sources: ANSA Politica.