Italy pays €450 million annually for NATO membership, defence minister says

Tuesday 28 July 2026 - 17:58

By: Azzat Manal

Italy pays €450 million annually for NATO membership, defence minister says

Italy pays approximately €450 million each year as its direct financial contribution to NATO, according to Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, who outlined the country's financial commitments to the alliance during a parliamentary committee meeting on Tuesday.

Crosetto said NATO's overall annual budget amounts to around €5.5 billion, with Italy contributing approximately 8.53% of the total. He stressed that this figure represents Italy's direct membership contribution and should be distinguished from national defence spending carried out independently by individual member states.

According to the Italian defence minister, countries are also responsible for funding their own armed forces and military capabilities, which simultaneously contribute to the collective security objectives of the NATO alliance.

The remarks come amid a broader debate in Italy over defence spending and the country's future military commitments. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government has been under pressure to increase defence and security expenditure in line with NATO's long-term objectives and growing concerns over the international security environment.

Italy has indicated that its defence spending could rise to around 2.8% of gross domestic product, reflecting commitments made within the alliance and pressure from international partners, particularly the United States. NATO members have also agreed to work toward a broader long-term defence investment target of 5% of GDP by 2035, following discussions at the alliance's summit in The Hague.

Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani has also said that Rome intends to move toward the NATO spending target over the coming decade. However, the issue has generated political debate within the Italian government, with Defence Minister Crosetto reportedly pushing for additional resources to strengthen the country's military capabilities.

The discussion highlights the growing financial and political challenges facing NATO members as governments attempt to balance domestic budgetary pressures with increased demands for defence investment. For Italy, the debate involves not only its direct contribution to NATO but also the substantial national resources required to maintain and modernize its armed forces.

As NATO members continue to reassess their defence priorities, Italy's position reflects a wider European debate over military spending, collective security and the financial responsibilities of alliance members.