Italy is preparing a reform of the armed forces, including a new reserve system and an increase in military personnel by 40,000 people.

Through a major reform coordinated by Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, Italy will restructure its armed forces, which includes increasing military personnel by 40,000 people by 2033. The bill, consulted by Euractiv, aims to improve availability and response times, ensuring interoperability within the context of a common European defense policy.

The total personnel will exceed 200,000 military members, with annual increases set in the budget law. The reform includes the creation of a new operational reserve, made up of recently discharged military members, specialized volunteers, and local volunteers for emergency situations. A legal mechanism will allow for the rapid mobilization of reservists in exceptional circumstances, with the decision made by the government and subject to parliamentary approval within five days. The bill could be presented after the summer break, with a 12-month implementation period.