Italy's Economic Ties to the US: Defense, Energy, and Technology Investments
Italy's government, under Giorgia Meloni, has strengthened economic ties with the US, focusing on defense, energy, and technology sectors. This shift has implications for Italy's sovereignty and economic independence, as significant investments from American firms reshape the landscape of strategic industries.

Under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Italy has bolstered its economic relationship with the United States, particularly in defense and energy. Commitments made at the NATO summit in June 2025 include a target of 5% of GDP for defense spending by 2035, which may increase orders from US defense contractors.
From 2023, the Italian Ministry of Defense has approved nearly €2 billion for military expenditures, not including an additional €7 billion for 25 F-35 jets. Concurrently, US LNG exports to Italy have surged, constituting 46% of liquefied gas imports by 2025.
Investments from US firms, such as BlackRock's stake in Leonardo, emphasize the growing interest in Italian strategic assets. This reliance raises questions about Italy's economic sovereignty amidst increasing American influence.




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