Germany and Italy Deepen Security and Defence Partnership

Intensified Defence and Military Cooperation Germany and Italy Deepen Security and Defence Partnership

2026-01-28 Source: Press release Gerd Kielburger 1 min Reading Time

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Germany and Italy are strengthening their strategic relationship with a far‑reaching agreement on security, defence, and political cooperation. During government consultations in Rome, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni signed a bilateral pact aimed at significantly expanding joint military initiatives, resilience capabilities, and foreign‑policy coordination.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius met with his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto to discuss the future of bilateral defence cooperation.(Source: MINISTERO DELLA DIFESA, Italy) — German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius met with his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto to discuss the future of bilateral defence cooperation.
(Source: MINISTERO DELLA DIFESA, Italy)

Ahead of the signing ceremony, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius met with his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto to discuss the future of bilateral defence cooperation. The agenda included plans to broaden existing collaborations and establish more regular, structured dialogue formats between the two governments.

Key elements of the agreement include:
- Annual 2+2 meetings between foreign and defence ministers
- Deeper military cooperation in training, exercises, missions, intelligence, and capability development
- Strengthened cooperation in defence industry projects
- Expansion of joint efforts in cyber and space security
- Coordinated support for Ukraine
- Joint initiatives in Africa

Pistorius described the agenda as “ambitious yet realistic,” emphasizing its importance for bolstering European security and resilience.

New Momentum as Relations with France Cool

The strengthened partnership comes at a moment when German‑French cooperation—especially in defence—faces friction. The future of the jointly planned FCAS air‑combat system remains uncertain.

Common Stance on Global Security Issues

During a recent Italy–Germany “2+2” Foreign Affairs and Defence meeting, Crosetto and Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani met with German officials Johann Wadephul and Boris Pistorius to discuss broader geopolitical challenges. The talks reaffirmed:- Firm support for Ukraine- Increased joint engagement in the Middle East- Priority to advance EU integration of the Western Balkans- Continued contributions to NATO KFOR and EUFOR Althea

According to officials the meeting highlighted the robustness of the German‑Italian relationship and their shared commitment to strengthening the European pillar within NATO.

Sources:
https://www.bmvg.de/de/aktuelles/italien-deutschland-starke-partner-6059416
https://www.difesa.it/eng/primo-piano/italygermany-22-foreign-affairs-and-defence-meeting/87438.html

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