Italy’s Supreme Defence Council convened at the Quirinale Palace under the leadership of President Sergio Mattarella to assess major international crises and Italy’s strategic role. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, key ministers, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Luciano Portolano, took part in the meeting.

Regarding Gaza, the Council emphasized Italy’s ongoing humanitarian assistance and its readiness to help train Palestinian police forces, alongside participation in initiatives promoted by the EU and the international community. A lasting peace in the region, the Council noted, remains possible only through a two-state solution.

On Ukraine, the Council highlighted the evolving nature of the conflict, marked by extensive use of drones, including Russian incursions into NATO and EU airspace. While these incidents underline the Alliance’s preparedness, they also expose Europe’s urgent need to modernize its defense capabilities, including the innovations outlined in Italy’s White Paper for Defence 2030.

The Council reaffirmed Italy’s unwavering support for Ukraine and confirmed a new package of military assistance through the twelfth aid decree, stressing the importance of cooperation with NATO and the EU as well as planning for the country’s future reconstruction.

The meeting also underscored the necessity of strengthening the protection of critical national infrastructure and improving defenses in cyberspace. Emerging domains such as outer space and the underwater environment, the Council noted, are becoming increasingly strategic and require rapid investment and new operational tools.