Rome: Negotiations regarding a potential contract between Elon Musk’s satellite internet operator, Starlink, and the Italian government have reached an impasse, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions, Italy’s defense minister stated on Saturday.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government aims to secure encrypted communications among government officials, diplomats, and defense personnel operating in high-risk areas, with Starlink among the contenders to provide the system.
“It seems to me that everything has come to a standstill,” Guido Crosetto was quoted as saying by the newspaper La Repubblica.
He indicated that this was partly due to the shift in discussions from technical aspects to “statements” made by and about Musk, without elaborating on the specifics of those statements.
Starlink is a dominant force in the sector, boasting approximately 7,000 active low-orbit satellites, and has been offering its services in Italy since 2021. Sources have disclosed to Reuters that Rome was considering a five-year deal with the company, part of Musk’s SpaceX group, valued at 1.5 billion euros ($1.62 billion).
However, the talks between the government and Starlink have sparked outrage among opposition politicians who question the prudence of entrusting a national security contract to a foreign businessman and close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Meloni has placed the alliance with the United States at the core of Italy’s foreign policy, but Trump’s actions, which have alienated Rome’s European allies, are compelling her to navigate a delicate political balancing act.
Domestically, she faces pressure from her coalition partner, the far-right League, to maintain support for Trump and Musk.
On Friday, the League’s leader and Meloni’s deputy, Matteo Salvini, reported having a phone conversation with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, during which he praised “the remarkable American capabilities in key areas such as satellite communications.”
Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2025.
