The talks between the Italian government and Elon Musk company SpaceX had caused sharp criticism. Negotiations on the use of the Starlink satellite network are now said to have come to a standstill.
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: “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 could be resumed
Crosetto described Musk as a “visionary genius” that has caused a “real revolution”, “more in space than with cars”. If the controversial discussion calm down again, the conversations can be resumed on a technical level. “It's about what the nation is most useful and safest for the nation,” said Crosetto.
Italy's head of government Giorgia Meloni wants to buy a neglected communication system for government and military. The country is negotiating with several private companies about a business in connection with the country's telecommunications security system, including Starlink. The company operates 6,700 satellites in low orbit and is one of the leading providers in this sector.
Project of opposition sharply criticized
The Reuters news agency reports that the government in Rome has considered a five -year contract worth 1.5 billion euros with Starlink. If a deal comes about, Italy would be the first EU state to collect cooperation with the Musk company.
Prime Minister Meloni and Musk maintain a friendly relationship. Such a business would therefore be particularly delicate and is sharply criticized by the opposition because of possible dependencies.
