The talks between Italy and the SpaceX group of US billionaire Elon Musk about a possible billion dollar business to use the Starlink satellite system are initially on hold.
Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto told the Italian newspaper “La Repubblica” (Saturday): “It seems to me that everything has come to a standstill.”
The discussions about a possible agreement focused too much on the person Musk, said Crosetto. “You don’t talk about the technical plan.” Musk is the official consultant of US President Donald Trump and has been trying to influence politics in Europe since his election victory. For this he is massively criticized.
Talks can be resumed later
Crosetto described Musk as a “visionary genius” that has caused a “real revolution”, “more in space than with cars”. However, the controversial discussion should calm down again, then the conversations can be resumed on a technical level. “It’s about what the nation is most useful for the nation,” said Crosetto.
Italy is negotiating with several private companies about a business in connection with the country’s telecommunications security system, including SpaceX. If a deal comes about, Italy would be the first EU state to collect cooperation with the Musk company.
Italy’s head of government Giorgia Meloni and Musk maintain a friendly relationship. Such a business would therefore be particularly delicate. The opposition sharply criticizes this due to possible dependencies.
/RME/DP/MIS
Rome (dpa-Afx)