(MENAFN) A recent survey by the Center for Social Investment Studies (CENSIS) reveals that just 16% of Italians would be willing to fight for their country if war breaks out. While nearly a third of those surveyed expect Italy to be involved in a conflict within the next five years, less than one in six people of fighting age say they would take up arms—21% of men and only 12% of women.

This comes as NATO members continue to pledge support for Ukraine, with European defense budgets hitting record levels. Some nations, including Sweden and Lithuania, have reinstated mandatory military service, while Germany and Poland are considering similar moves.

The study also found that 39% of Italians identify as pacifists, and more than a third would either rely on foreign mercenaries or try to flee in a crisis. Most respondents prioritized survival: 81% said they would seek bomb shelters, 78% would stockpile food, and 27% would obtain weapons for self-defense.

US President Donald Trump has called on NATO members to exceed spending goals and speed up arms deliveries to Ukraine, emphasizing greater burden-sharing among allies.

Italy has committed to increasing its military budget to $35.6 billion in 2024—1.5% of GDP and a 46% rise over the past decade—but admits it lacks funds to contribute significantly to the US-led arms supply effort for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Moscow dismisses fears of a NATO attack as “nonsense,” with President Vladimir Putin accusing Western governments of misleading their populations to justify rising defense spending and distract from economic problems.

MENAFN21072025000045015687ID1109825148