Italy view on nuclear weapons. “Italy, think again” – the mobilisation in support of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) promoted by the Italian Network for Peace and Disarmament and the Senzatomica campaign – has written to all parliamentarians to urge concrete steps in favour of nuclear disarmament. Our findings about both current and historical nuclear weapons programs are outlined on an interactive world map, and summarized in a companion table. The stationing of US nuclear weapons on the soil of any particular country is not a requirement for participating in the articulation of NATO’s nuclear strategy. The crucial relationship with the USA goes a long way in explaining the rationale of Italy's nuclear policies. Cluster 1: Nuclear Weapons Italy fully shares the goal of a peaceful and secure world free of nuclear weapons and, in this respect, we restate our strong commitment to preserving and strengthening the disarmament and non-proliferation framework. . Let's talk the facts. Complete nuclear disarmament can be achieved through a progressive, realistic, pragmatic and responsible approach, based on concrete measures and an effective, verifiable and irreversible process. We view its three pillars as complementary and mutually reinforcing and call for the full implementation of commitments taken during previous Review Conferences. Through Article VI, the NPT provides the only realistic legal framework to attain a world without nuclear weapons, in a way that promotes Polish President Karol Nawrocki has signaled a decisive shift in Warsaw’s strategic posture, calling for the development of a national nuclear weapons program to counter what he characterized as an escalating “Russian threat. This configuration could in principle complicate or even make impossible the effective use of nuclear weapons, since, in both cases, as soon as arms control was transferred from the US to its European allies, Italy would be in violation (according to most treaty parties) of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Manlio Dinucci On the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella reiterated that "Italy strongly supports the goal of a world free from nuclear weapons". During the Cold War Rome considered hosting nuclear weapons a tool to strengthen the international ranking of the country, hoping that it provides opportunity to restore trust in Italy’s international image, which had been shaken by World War II. The atomic war would take place in just a few hours. Such a policy could easily be construed as an example of almost automa Italian Special Weapons The commitment to disarmament, weapons controls and non-proliferation is an essential component of Italian foreign policy. Speaking to broadcaster Polsatnews on Sunday evening, Naworcki said "the In an exclusive interview with Sky TG24, Giorgia Meloni says Italy "must ensure that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons". CAMEN (then CISAM) close Pisa was used for this aim. What is the situation in Italy and what should we do to contribute to the goal of a world free from nuclear weapons? Italy, a formally non-nuclear country, has for decades granted its territory for the deployment of US nuclear weapons: currently, B61 bombs, which will soon be replaced by the more deadly B61-12. [9] It was stopped in the '70s to join NATO nuclear sharing. nuclear tactical weapons since the fifties. With nearly 100 Italian cities supporting the ICAN Cities Appeal, Rome's decision underscores a shift towards people-centric politics in addressing the nuclear threat. The Italian prime minister also reflects on the first 'Board of Peace' meeting. Because we have atomic weapons, exceeded the nuclear threshold, our country would be fully involved in the atomic conflict with a precise bombing sequence that from the north would extend to the entire peninsula in a very short time. Download Citation | Tactical nuclear weapons in Italy striking a balance between disarmament aspirations and alliance obligations | Despite the fact that Italy hosts almost half of the remaining Italy believes that we should strive towards a world completely free of nuclear weapons and of the nightmare of nuclear annihilation. Current Deployment Since 1956, Italy has hosted US nuclear weapons, B-61 nuclear bombs under NATO’s nuclear sharing agreement. Currently, Italy does not produce or possess nuclear weapons, but takes part in the NATO nuclear sharing program, hosting B61 nuclear bombs at the Aviano and Ghedi Air Bases. Discover the most significant events of 2018, from world-changing political decisions to cultural milestones. At the same time, it commits NATO to creating the conditions for nuclear disarmament, which may well include their prohibition. Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) Second Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 11th Review Conference Geneva, 22 July – 2 August 2024 Pending the conclusion of such a treaty, all States should abide by a moratorium on the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons. The NPT remains the cornerstone of these efforts. Poland should have its own nuclear weapons programme, given the threat posed by Russia, President Karol Nawrocki has said. Italy ratified in 1975 the Nuclear Weapons Non-Proliferation Treaty (Mr), establishing: “Each of the militarily non-nuclear states, part to the Treaty, undertakes neither to receive nuclear weapons from anyone, nor control over such weapons, directly or indirectly ". Italy's Council of Ministers has approved a draft law calling for the government to adopt a series of legislative decrees to create the legal framework for the reintroduction of nuclear power, which was phased out following a referendum in 1987. Italy values all initiatives undertaken in the field of nuclear disarmament verification, as important tools to build trust and confidence among nuclear and non-nuclear weapon States. Tanks and aircraft played major roles, enabling the strategic bombing of cities and delivery of the first and only nuclear weapons ever used in war. Despite the fact that Italy hosts almost half of the remaining estimated 150–200 US tactical nuclear weapons (TNW) that are currently deployed in Europe, case studies of Italy have been largely neg The North Atlantic Treaty is silent on the issue of nuclear weapons, but the latest Strategic Concept of the Alliance defines NATO as a nuclear alliance "for as long as nuclear weapons exist". Italy abandoned nuclear energy with a referendum after Ukraine's 1987 Chernobyl disaster. , British, or Soviet nuclear In 1979, Italy accepted the new Euromissiles on its territory. nuclear weapons, is not a signatory to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Iran and Libya have pursued secret nuclear activities in violation of the treaty’s terms, and Syria is suspected of having done the same. U. Italy looks forward to working within the recently established group of friends of the FMCT to give new im ot excluding an internationally legally binding instrument. I would like to add some remarks in my national capacity. Millions died in genocides, including the Holocaust, and by massacres, starvation, and disease. [1][2] Poland has signed up to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, an agreement designed to stop more countries gaining nuclear weapons and access to nuclear technology. 2025 Iran–European nuclear talks began on 20 June 2025, between Iran and European powers led by the E-3 (France, Germany, and the United Kingdom) in response to the ongoing escalation in the Iran–Israel War. Italy ratified the Nuclear Weapons Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1975, which states: “Each of the militarily non-nuclear States participating in the Treaty undertakes neither to receive nuclear weapons from anyone, nor to exercise directly or indirectly any control over these weapons. In official statements, Italy is committed to the goal of nuclear disarmament and progressive reduction of US nuclear bombs in Europe with the view of their final elimination. NATO is committed to arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, but as long as nuclear weapons exist, it will remain a nuclear alliance. Although this situation appears bleak, Edward Ifft writes that there are constructive measures nuclear weapons states can Top 9 countries with largest nuclear stockpiles in 2025-26 list: The world’s nuclear stockpile has declined massively since the Cold War, from 70,300 nuclear warheads in 1986 to an estimated 12,321 in 2026. In the space of two hours, devices would be dropped on both sides in sufficient numbers to cause the so The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) is the first legally binding international treaty whose aim is to ban nuclear weapons comprehensively. Again, Italy considered nuclear weapons as its winning card and the tool has to be used to shorten the gap with the other major European partners. The book analyses the history of Italy’s involvement in nuclear energy during the Cold War, through the perspective of international and comparative history. Does Italy have nuclear weapons? Explore the complexities of Italy's defense strategy and its role in global security. ” Indeed, Italy’s historical role in nuclear sharing arrangements with the US makes any prospect of accession remote, as the stationing of US tactical nuclear weapons on Italian territory is incompatible with the Treaty’s provisions. We now face the prospect that the half-century process of reducing the number of nuclear weapons in the world is about to be reversed. [3] These launchers have now been completely retired. Throughout the Cold War, Italy was one of the most steadfast NATO allies in hosting American nuclear weapons on its territory. nuclear bombs in Europe with the view of their final elimination. Most Italian nuclear physicists in the post-war years focused primarily on peaceful uses of nuclear energy. com, your online source for breaking international news coverage. [1] Rome joins capital cities worldwide urging governments to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. On 4th February, the New START Treaty – the last treaty constraining the nuclear weapons of the United States and Russia – expired. Aug 27, 2025 · Italy, as a NATO country hosting U. The NPT provides the only realistic legal framework to reach this Abstract Italy has been storing U. We also wish to reiterate our support for the establishment of Zones Free o Italy aims to finalise by the end of 2027 a plan allowing the use of nuclear power again after it was banned almost 40 years ago, Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin said in an interview Italian nuclear weapons program The Italian nuclear weapons program was an effort by Italy to develop nuclear weapons in the late 1960s and early 1970s. After abortive proposals to establish a multilateral program with NATO Allies in the 1950s and 1960s, Italy launched an indigenous nuclear weapons program, including testing a ballistic missile. nuclear weapons are based in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey. It supports the retention and potential use of nuclear weapons on its behalf, as indicatedby its endorsement of various alliance st Italy boycotted the negotiations on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in 2017 and has consistently voted against the annual UN General Assembly resolutions on the Treaty, including in 2024. Let’s talk of facts. Italy reaffirms its strong and unwavering belief in the NPT as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and an essential component of nuclear disarmament efforts. This historic move challenges the Italian government to prioritise peace and security by signing the Nuclear Ban Treaty In 1979, Italy accepted the new Euromissiles on its territory. In official statements, Italy is committed to the goal of nuclear disarmament and progressive reduction of U. Feb 28, 2025 · Italy's government on Friday adopted a law paving the way for a return to nuclear energy almost 40 years after it was banned by referendum, in what Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described as Italy remains fully committed to effective multilateral action against the proliferation of nuclear weapons, other weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. President Donald Trump has suggested the U. They decided to keep about 40 of the OTR-21 Tochka systems armed with conventional warheads for self-defense. The alliance emphasised the risks posed by Russia’s nuclear weapons, while continuing to reiterate the centrality of its nuclear deterrent and nuclear sharing agreements (in which Italy is also involved). Make no mistake about it: there is no alternative to the NPT. About 5% of the electricity consumed in Italy is from nuclear power – all imported. He has Italy aligns itself with the statement of the European Union. Italy has long been active on various fronts that There are six states that do not possess nuclear weapons, but have nuclear weapons deployed on their territory. The crucial relationship with the USA goes a long way in explaining the rationale of Italy‘s nuclear policies. The large unit consisted of the 1 Reparto IS and the 2 Reparto IS, each of which controlled five LP (Launch Positions) positions, with a ready-to-use missile and two reloads, for a total of thirty rounds. 20 votes, 47 comments. Explore the key moments that shaped history during this pivotal year Find latest news from every corner of the globe at Reuters. ” While European members of NATO have frequently invoked the prospect of Russian aggression to justify significant military buildups, Moscow has consistently on the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons. The article introduces the volume Nuclear Italy: an International History of Italian Nuclear Policies during the Cold War. For this sector Italy has produced the IRBM Alfa and other air vectors. The 16 essays included here, written by scholars from different disciplines, underline the influence of the On May 9, 2023, the Italian Parliament approved a motion to urge the government to consider incorporating atomic power into the country's energy mix. Yet for nearly two decades, behind three fences and under strict dual control, this stretch straddling the Ludlow and Chicopee lines held the weapons that anchored America’s nuclear deterrent American and Iranian negotiators agreed on “guiding principles” for a mystery peace deal during the second round of talks on Tehran’s nuclear program, according to the countryR… Is NATO nuclear capable? Nuclear weapons are a core component of NATO's overall capabilities for deterrence and defence, alongside conventional and missile defence forces. Their total elimination should guide our collective efforts. ; Italy believes that a secure and peaceful world is a world without nuclear weapons. The judges, chaired by Nobel Prize Laureate Rita Levi Montalcini, cited Dr. Mister Chair, Italy fully shares the goal of a peaceful and secure world free of nuclear weapons and, in this regard, we restate our strong commitment to preserve and strengthen the disarmament and non-proliferation framework. In a presentation based upon his recent book The Nuclear Challenge: Italian Foreign Policy and Atomic Weapons, 1945-1991, Nuti discussed the process by which the Italian government used its position in NATO to advance its own national agenda. World War II is the deadliest conflict in history, causing the death of over 60 million people. In Rome, the Director General received the prestigious Golden Dove of Peace prize, which is conferred annually by the President of Italy. In April of the 1960 the 36ata Aerobrigata di Strategico Interdizione, with command in Puglia, at Gioia del Colle, was established by the Italian Air Force. In 1991, Poland announced that they would remove the nuclear capable delivery systems from their weapons inventory. Poland’s president signals support for joining a nuclear project as Germany and France reopen talks on European deterrence These troops were equipped with nuclear weapons. Factions within Italy sought nuclear weapons, but these ambitions ended by the time Italy signed the NPT. Russian nuclear weapons are deployed in Belarus. At the same time, Italy initiated a nuclear weapons program to produce its own nuclear weapons essentially under the Italian Navy control. will restart nuclear weapons testing, a move that upends decades of American policy. S. Substantially, it hinges on the lethal humanitarian and environmental impact of nuclear weapons and is thereby aimed at further stigmatising their use, including in the domain of nuclear deterrence. Another key priority for Italy remains the immediate start of negotiations within the Conference on Disarmament on a Treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices on the basis of document CD/1299 and the mandate contained therein. Unlike other NATO countries, Italy passed a resolution that allowed the Italian government to consider ratifying a ban on nuclear weapons. Still, nuclear nonproliferation successes outnumber failures, and dire decades-old forecasts that the world would soon be home to dozens of nuclear-armed states have not come to pass. During the Cold War, at least 23 states were known hosts of U. For a school project I have to debate from Italy’s perspective about the restrictions and responsibilities of nuclear… What is the situation in Italy and what should we do to contribute to the goal of a world free from nuclear weapons? Italy had four operating nuclear power reactors but shut the last two down following the Chernobyl accident. ElBaradei´s "strenuous work aimed to avoid the proliferation of nuclear weaponry and to carry out nuclear disarmament". Italy has consistently voted against an annual UN General Assembly resolutionsince 2018 that welcomes the adoption of the TPNW and calls upon all states to sign, ratify, or accede to it “at the earliest possible date”. vjbpe, xgui2h, w5ma5a, nezy, 9esz, 590a, jjwzqj, daz7, 9uoin, luern,