Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, recently announced that her government is in discussions with various private companies about bolstering the country’s telecommunications security. This includes talks with SpaceX, the company owned by entrepreneur Elon Musk. However, Meloni emphasized that she has not discussed specifics directly with Musk, insisting that her role as a public servant does not involve giving favors to friends.
During a press conference, Meloni stressed that her primary concern is national interest when evaluating any potential contracts with SpaceX, which operates the Starlink satellite system. The proposed project, valued at approximately 1.5 billion euros over five years, has drawn criticism from opposition parties. They are concerned about allowing a private company, particularly one linked to Musk, to manage such sensitive communications.
If an agreement is reached, SpaceX would offer encryption services for the Italian government as well as communication infrastructure for military and emergency services. Just days earlier, Meloni had denied that any deal was in the works with Musk, who has developed a friendly rapport with her. Further clarifying, the government firmly stated that there was no discussion of a SpaceX agreement during Meloni’s recent meeting with former President Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago.
Meloni mentioned the importance of secure communication for sensitive information, remarking, “There are no public alternatives for these technologies.” She acknowledged the risks involved in relying on a private entity to protect data, but argued that the alternative—having such data unprotected—is even more concerning.
During her remarks, Meloni also hinted that the controversy surrounding the potential partnership may be influenced by Musk’s political alignment. She posed a thoughtful question to the audience: “Is the problem related to private investments or to the political ideas of the investors?”
Musk, known for his close ties to Trump, has expressed a willingness to collaborate with Italy. He mentioned on social media that SpaceX stands ready to provide the country with advanced and secure connectivity.
Having been operational in Italy since 2021, SpaceX’s Starlink could extend its services to aid in emergencies, including responses to natural disasters or terrorism. Additionally, Musk’s company is developing a project called Starshield, aimed at supporting defense and sensitive operations.
Experts in security have noted the increasing caution European nations must exercise when forming partnerships with companies like SpaceX, given their growing influence in the satellite and telecommunications sectors.
