Story perspectives

Italy Seeks EU Energy Safeguard, Faces Trucker Walkout

5/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Italy has asked the European Union to extend the defence-only national safeguard clause to cover emergency energy measures.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni argued that energy security should receive the same fiscal flexibility as defence spending.
The request covers measures worth about 1.5 % of Italy’s GDP, including €1 billion per month in petrol-levy cuts ending May 22.
A union of truck drivers announced a five-day walkout starting May 25, adding pressure on the government.

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Story summary

Italy has asked the European Union to extend the defence-only national safeguard clause to cover emergency energy measures.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni argued that energy security should receive the same fiscal flexibility as defence spending.
The request covers measures worth about 1.5 % of Italy’s GDP, including €1 billion per month in petrol-levy cuts ending May 22.
A union of truck drivers announced a five-day walkout starting May 25, adding pressure on the government.