Minister Crosetto on a Mission to NATO’s Eastern Flank

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Minister Guido Crosetto has concluded his mission to NATO’s Eastern Flank, with stops in Bulgaria, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, where he met with political and military authorities and visited Italian contingents deployed as part of NATO missions and operations.

The mission confirmed the central importance of the Eastern Flank to the security of the entire Alliance, as well as Italy’s role in strengthening deterrence and collective defence. In Bulgaria, Crosetto discussed with local authorities issues including Black Sea security, the protection of critical infrastructure and the strengthening of NATO’s presence.

In Poland and the Baltic States, the Minister conveyed the Government’s closeness and support to Italian military personnel deployed on the ground and engaged in the defence of Allied airspace. This presence received tangible confirmation today: two Italian Eurofighters intercepted and neutralized a drone that had violated Lithuanian airspace.

“Being on the Eastern Flank means being there when needed, not merely declaring our support. The security of these countries is the security of the entire Alliance and therefore also of Italy. Our military personnel demonstrate this every day, with professionalism, readiness and a strong sense of duty. They have the gratitude of the Government and of all Italians.”

So said the Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto.