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Historically, Italy has not met NATO's defense spending benchmark of 2% of GDP, maintaining an average of roughly 1.5% from 1991 until 2022. This figure dipped as low as 1.2% in 2015. The situation began to change post-2022, particularly after Giorgia Meloni ascended to the role of Prime Minister, promising a more robust military policy free from the quietude of previous administrations, which avoided backlash from influential entities, including the Catholic Church.
Italy announced plans to achieve the 2% defense spending goal by 2028, with a notable commitment to revive and enhance its military capabilities amidst growing geopolitical tensions, primarily due to Russia's actions in Ukraine.