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Musk hinted that others will follow Italy’s lead in working with his satellite communication service.
News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
If the deal is signed, Italy would become the first EU country to formally engage with Musk’s SpaceX, but it would raise questions about the country’s alignment with European strategic priorities, including the setup of EU’s IRIS2 constellation, while potentially costing Italy jobs, sovereignty, and strategic autonomy. [NurPhoto via Getty Images)]
Languages: Français | Deutsch
The Italian government’s possible adoption of a Starlink satellite communications system would be a political and economic mistake, domestic and EU legislators have warned, as the government doubled down on the decision and Musk revelled in the debate.
Musk has been the focus of many headlines recently, especially since his ally, Donald Trump, became president-elect in the US. His apparently close relationship with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has also come under scrutiny, along with his scathing attacks on the Italian judiciary.
Now, the communications deal has become a talking point in Rome, with lawmakers such as Antonio Nicita from the Democratic Party (S&D) telling Euractiv that it seems to be fuelled by more of a political rationale than an economic one.
According to Nicita, Musk might be trying to outpace the IRIS2 constellation by securing one major EU member state as a client, which could jeopardise its financial sustainability.
IRIS2, a multi-orbit satellite internet constellation, aims to incrementally ensure secure connectivity and reduce dependence on non-European systems from 2025 to 2030.
For the Italian MP, the Italian government’s deal with Starlink also raises antitrust concerns, as an exclusive contract between the Italian government and Starlink could lead to market foreclosure or preemption.
According to Bloomberg, the five-year deal would cost €1.5 billion. However, Italy is already a funder and future customer of IRIS2, an EU 12-year programme costing €10.6 billion across all 27 EU member states.
Nicita warned that if a dominant competitor locks in most of the demand by signing medium-term contracts with other EU governments, the entire IRIS2 program will be less credible and economically viable.
MEP and former IRIS2 rapporteur Christophe Grudler (Renew, France) told Euractiv that the Italian deal would be a “strategic mistake,” adding that Italian taxpayers would pay twice for the two systems.
Moreover, Grudler outlined that starting in 2025, the EU’s GovSatCom programme will provide most of the services Italy seeks to access via its Starlink deal. He warned that Musk’s venture would replace Italian industry and cost jobs, sovereignty, and strategic autonomy.
Although Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (ECR) might be seeking Musk’s favour to strengthen ties with the incoming US administration, Grudler added that the long-term consequences of this deal would be detrimental to Italy.
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini (PfE) wrote on X that the deal is an opportunity, not a risk.
He said access to Starlink services would modernise Italy by ensuring secure and reliable connectivity nationwide, describing SpaceX’s CEO as a leading figure in global innovation.
Musk answered Salvini within the hour, describing the prospect as “great” and predicting that other European countries would follow Italy’s lead.
As a sovereign state, Italy has full discretionary power to proceed with sovereign decisions and actions, a Commission spokesperson said on 7 January, explaining that accessing SpaceX services is compatible with the IRIS2 project.
The spokesperson added that Italy’s involvement in IRIS2 also means it is expected to host three control centres of the upcoming constellation.
Alessia Peretti, Théophane Hartmann | Euractiv.it, Euractiv.com
Languages: Français | Deutsch
Updated: 08-01-2025
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