The European Union is alarmed by Italy's plans to switch to Starlink — DW*

The Italian government is considering the possibility of acquiring satellite Internet services from SpaceX's Starlink group, which is owned by American billionaire Elon Musk.

These plans of official Rome have caused alarm in the European Union, as they directly affect its political and economic stability, and also call into question the implementation of the pan-European space satellite program.

According to DW❶, Italy is negotiating with Musk to conclude a deal worth 1.6 billion euros to provide communication services through the satellite Internet provider Starlink. Brussels believes that as a result of such a deal, Italy will come into conflict with the European Union's space strategy.

It is known that by 2030 The EU intends to create its own grouping of 260 IRIS2 satellites, which should provide the member states of the bloc with safe long-distance communication.

The European Union fears that Italy may torpedo these plans with its deal with SpaceX. These concerns are growing amid the growing involvement of Elon Musk in politics.

A potential problem lies in the fact that Musk, who has become an adviser to US President-elect Donald Trump, may, at his discretion, restrict the use of Starlink to certain governments that disagree with Washington's position.

Earlier, EADaily reported that, according to the Financial Times, Elon Musk is "more scary" for European officials than even Donald Trump himself.

❶An organization performing the functions of a foreign agent