The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is seeking to establish encrypted communication channels for government officials, diplomats, and defense personnel operating in high-risk areas. This initiative aims to ensure secure and reliable communication in critical situations.
According to a Reuters report, Eutelsat is one of several companies in discussions with the Italian government, alongside Elon Musk’s Starlink. Starlink currently dominates the satellite communications sector, with approximately 6,700 active satellites in orbit, compared to Eutelsat’s fleet of just over 600.
In a statement released late Thursday, the League emphasized that it would be “contrary to Italy’s interests” to choose a French entity over a more technologically advanced system like Starlink. While the statement did not explicitly name the two companies, the reference was clear.
The League, led by Matteo Salvini, is a far-right party within Italy’s ruling coalition, which also includes Meloni’s Brothers of Italy and the more moderate Forza Italia. The party has historically been a strong supporter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, with whom Elon Musk maintains close ties.
Eutelsat CEO Eva Berneke confirmed in a Bloomberg TV interview on Thursday that discussions with Italy are ongoing. She acknowledged that Italy is exploring immediate solutions to its communication needs, particularly due to delays in the development of the European Union’s IRIS² satellite program.
“Until IRIS² becomes operational, Italy is evaluating available options. Currently, Starlink and Eutelsat are the primary providers with low Earth orbit constellations,” Berneke stated.
Following the interview, sources from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office clarified that Italy has not yet entered formal negotiations with Eutelsat or any other satellite operators. They emphasized that any decision would be made “in full compliance with institutional procedures and with the utmost transparency.”
Meanwhile, opposition parties in Italy have raised concerns about the potential risks of awarding a critical national security contract to Elon Musk’s Starlink. Musk’s company has recently faced scrutiny over reports that it could potentially cut off Ukraine’s access to Starlink services, which have played a vital role in supporting Kyiv’s communications infrastructure during its defense against Russia’s invasion.
In its statement, the League party reiterated its stance, asserting that “every choice must be weighed exclusively in the name of Italy’s national interest, without ideological prejudice.” The party also highlighted the importance of the United States as an “indispensable partner for the security and growth of our country.”
Elon Musk responded positively to the League’s endorsement on his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter). In a comment on an English translation of the League’s statement, Musk simply wrote, “Much appreciated.”