29 APR 2024
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Defence Minister Guido Crosetto today met with the French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, at Raffali Military Camp in Calvi (Corsica). At the end of the very cordial meeting, the two ministers signed a Letter of Intent for the establishment of a European Industry Land Hub.
“The world has changed, we cannot go back and must prepare to face scenarios that can be even more complex than the current one. Italy and France must strengthen their cooperation because Europe’s political, miiltary and industrial future starts from the great nations that built the EU. We are weak when we are divided, but a united Europe can be strong thanks to its historical and cultural heritage and to the values acquired over centuries of history and our countries’ amazing industrial capabilities and know-how. No political parties or elections are there to divide us. We have the same interests and the same objective: to serve our Nations as best we can”, Minister Crosetto stated.
“Today we have signed a Letter of Intent – he added- aiming to establish a European Industry Hub for the land sector, where the best Italian and French industries in that field will converge. It is essential that all the best European technologies converge and stronger and stronger industrial hubs are established, because we will need to make significant investments to keep up with technological development. If we have to face countries like China, we need to establish a system by joining our financial, technological, industrial and human resources to equip ourselves with a Defence industry able to support the Armed Forces and supply them with effective equipment and weapons systems. The Armed Forces need the industry to work with the same speed, the same love for the Homeland and the same determination showed by our soldiers when they fight for freedom and democracy”.
The European Industry Land Hub which will be established following the Agreement signed by Minister Crosetto and Minister Lecocrnu, aims to strengthen Europe’s industrial cooperation and defence capabilities by developing new land platforms jointly. This strategic alliance will allow implementing cooperation programmes among European countries by reinforcing the industrial base and developing the next generation of land platforms, including the MGCS (Main Ground Combat System). The programme will integrate new advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, in order to ensure an autonomous, consolidated European Defence Technological and Industrial Base.
The signing of the Agreement marks a significant step forward toward an integrated European Defence, a pillar of the Atlantic Alliance, able to respond to present and future challenges.
Talks also focussed on the current situation in the Middle East and Ukraine, and the common will to increase synergies betwee European Union Member States, to end hostilities and achieve a fair peace.
The two ministers, at the end of the meeting, expressed their satisfaction, thus witnessing the common commitment and will to contribute to defending the founding values of freedom, democracy and peace.