The increase in suspicious incidents in Europe is prompting Italy to develop a defense capability against hybrid attacks, targeting critical sectors.

Italy is on maximum alert due to the increase in suspicious incidents, raising questions about the region's vulnerability to Russian hybrid attacks. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto emphasized the need to rapidly develop a predictive and adaptive capability to prevent and deter these attacks. A new defense unit is set to be operational around the clock, initially engaging between 1,200 and 1,500 personnel, with a planned increase to up to 5,000.

Italy is facing threats in critical sectors, such as energy infrastructure and airports, and will establish a center dedicated to combating disinformation and hostile actions. Recent discussions, hosted by President Sergio Mattarella, addressed the complex challenges that hybrid threats pose to the security of Europe and Italy. Russia has denied any responsibility for the recent incidents.