“The Government's decision to extend the international missions and to propose to Parliament the approval of two new missions, Aspides and Levante, demonstrates the role of our Armed Forces in defending the country's interests. Italy - which has been asked to assume the tactical command of the Aspides Mission - will have a fundamental task for the protection of maritime routes and in countering all forms of terrorism and hybrid warfare. Furthermore, with the Levante Mission, Italy confirms its desire to help the Palestinian population, victims of Hamas' terrorist attacks.
It is an all-round commitment which, in line with the evolution of the international framework, highlights the constant operational effort of the women and men of the Defense, both at home and abroad". Thus Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated in a press note regarding the decision of the Council of Ministers.
The council of ministers, which met yesterday under the leadership of the prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, resolved, pursuant to law no. 145 of 2016, the extension of ongoing international missions and development cooperation initiatives to support peace and stabilization processes, as well as the launch of two new missions, called Aspides e Get the Funds!.
As for the new missions, Aspides is the continuation of what was approved by the European Union, providing for the use of an "integrated" device in the area of the Red Sea and the North-Western Indian Ocean, in synergy with the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, EMASOH, combined maritime forces. The mission Get the Funds! instead, it will provide for the use of a military device for the national contribution aimed at carrying out humanitarian interventions in favor of the Palestinian population of the Gaza Strip following the conflict in the Middle East.
The resolution will now be examined by Parliament for the necessary authorization, as required by the framework law on international missions. As soon as it is scheduled, the Minister of Defense and the Minister of Foreign Affairs will report to the Chambers on the mission Aspides. With the green light from Parliament and the related authorization for the departure of the naval mission, Italy will have, as requested by the EU, operational tactical command. A recognition that gives our country a decisive role in the area for the protection of commercial traffic and free maritime circulation.
