Mystery Surrounds Billion-Euro Communication System Negotiations Between Italy and SpaceX
dpa-afx Rome
Meloni denies agreeing to a SpaceX contract
Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, finds herself entangled in a whirlwind of political scrutiny, as opposition parties demand explanations regarding potential billion-dollar negotiations with Elon Musk's SpaceX. According to a financial news agency Bloomberg report, the government and SpaceX are engaged in confidential discussions about a highly secure communication system, valued at €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion).
The Democratic Party (PD) has voiced its concerns, labeling the talks "troubling" and urging immediate transparency before parliament. Meloni's office confirmed that discussions revolve around secure connections for communication needs, complete with encrypted data, similar to agreements with other companies.
However, Meloni's office denies any signed contracts or agreements, dismissing reports that such a deal was broached during the recent visit by former US President Donald Trump as "ludicrous."
As for the project's status, Bloomberg claims negotiations are in an advanced stage. Italy's intelligence services and Ministry of Defense have already appraised the project, according to the agency, though the source remains unspecified. SpaceX has yet to weigh in on the matter.
According to the report, SpaceX's satellites would service telephone and internet needs for encrypted communication for the Italian government and military in the event of emergencies like terrorist attacks or natural disasters.
Given Musk's friendly relationship with both Meloni and Trump, such a deal carries particular sensitivity. It's worth mentioning that Musk serves as an advisor to former president Trump, who is set to take office once again on January 20.
However, recent updates indicate that Italy's proposed communication system deal with SpaceX's Starlink remains under negotiation and paused[1][2]. Amid debates surrounding reliance on a U.S.-controlled provider, Italy is concurrently advancing plans for a domestic satellite constellation to bolster its sovereign communications capabilities[3]. Parallel to these ventures, Italy aligns with European efforts such as the Iris2 project, which seeks to reduce dependence on non-European providers like Starlink at a €10 billion budget[4].
[1] Bloomberg[2] Reuters[3] SpaceNews[4] Euractiv
- The Democratic Party (PD) questions the billion-euro negotiations between Italy and SpaceX, expressing concerns about the secrecy surrounding the discussions.
- According to reports, SpaceX's proposed partnership with Italy involves providing encrypted communication technology for the Italian government and military, particularly in emergency situations.
- Despite the advanced stage of negotiations reported by Bloomberg, Italy's proposed communication system deal with SpaceX's Starlink remains under negotiation and is currently paused.
- Amidst the ongoing negotiations with SpaceX, Italy is also working on its own domestic satellite constellation to strengthen its sovereign communications capabilities, while also aligning with European initiatives like the Iris2 project to reduce dependence on non-European providers like Starlink.
