Italian Minister Questions NATO’s Relevance in Today’s World

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto has stated that NATO, in its current form, no longer aligns with the global balance of power. According to him, the alliance must reassess its mission and structure to remain effective in a world that has shifted far beyond its original framework.

Speaking at the University of Padua ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, Crosetto emphasized that the geopolitical axis has moved and the West is no longer the sole reference point for global affairs. He noted that NATO must build partnerships with countries in the Global South and evolve into a broader security platform—or risk becoming outdated.

Crosetto also voiced criticism of the European Union, stating that the bloc lacks a unified political and defence strategy capable of addressing modern threats and realities.

His remarks come just days before NATO leaders are set to meet to discuss internal reforms and increased defence commitments. While Crosetto did not call for withdrawal from the alliance, his speech reflects a growing sentiment in parts of Europe that NATO must redefine its role or face diminishing relevance.