Archive · 2 Sep 2025
US Disputes Italy's Plan to Classify Bridge as Military Spending
Italy is planning to build a very long bridge connecting Sicily to the mainland.
They want to count the cost of building this bridge as military spending, which would help them meet a promise to spend a certain amount on defense.
However, the US is saying no, because they believe the money should be spent on actual military items like tanks and guns, not bridges.
The US is worried Italy is trying to find a loophole to meet the NATO spending target and wants to make sure its allies are spending money the right way.
The US disapproves of Italy classifying a bridge project as military expenditure to meet NATO spending targets.
Italy committed to raising defense spending to 5% of GDP, prompted by US President Trump.
The €13.5 billion bridge project aims to connect Sicily to the mainland.
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated the spending should be specifically for defense.
Italian officials have considered the bridge a strategic asset, potentially facilitating military movement.
- Who
- US officials and Italian government
- What
- Debate over whether a bridge can be classified as military expenditure.
- When
- June summit, Tuesday (interview)
- Where
- Italy, Slovenia (Bled Strategic Forum)
- Why
- Italy wants to count bridge construction towards its NATO spending commitment, but the US disapproves.
- Bridge Cost
- €13.5 billion ($15.7 billion)
- NATO Spending Target
- 5% of GDP
- US Ambassador to NATO
- Matthew Whitaker
- Italian Deputy Prime Minister
- Matteo Salvini