Billionaire Elon Musk is looking to carve out a role in Italy's telecommunications system by expanding his aerospace business Space X and satellite broadband venture Starlink.

Italian premier accused of currying favour with world’s richest man at expense of European satellite initiative

Italian opposition leaders roundly criticized Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government for engaging in talks with Elon Musk’s SpaceX on a €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) deal for encrypted communications systems.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has defended US billionaire Elon Musk against criticism from other European capitals, describing him as a "brilliant man" in an interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera published on Friday.

Italy’s far-right prime minister has spoken out about her similarities with Sir Keir Starmer, saying the pair are “in tune” on “the fight against mass illegal immigration”. Giorgia Meloni, known for her hardline views on immigration, sparked concern across Europe as her coalition government came to power in October 2022.

Investments by companies owned by Elon Musk don’t represent a threat to Italy, according to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, an ally of Elon Musk, has asserted that investments from Musk-owned companies pose no threat to Italy. This was in response to a question on risks to national security.