By Joseph M. Calisi © 2022 All Rights Reserved
Rome, Italy, February 28, 2022 –
As we all know, the Russian government led by Vladimir Putin in the last week invaded Ukraine. The political angle will not be discussed here but the effect on Italy will be discussed. After all, the price of oil and natural gas is going in a sky-high direction and the public is being asked to reduce their demand for oil and gas.
Before the invasion, Italy was getting at least half of its oil and gas from the Russians. In the last week, the Italian government sent 1,350 special forces troops into a NATO alliance country, Poland, and 370 in Romania. The military package includes two ships and aircraft that also patrol the Black Sea.
Italy’s Council of Ministers unanimously approved the decree to send arms to Ukraine with anti-aircraft Stinger missiles, Spike counter-tank missiles, Browning machine guns, MG machine guns, ammunition that will be sold “to the Ukrainian government authorities” and NATO will deal with the airlift delivery logistics. Along with 10 million Euros in economic aid, the declaration of the state of emergency will last until December 31, 2022. Funding will be increased if need be.
Now, The Italian government has announced an emergency plan to tackle their nation’s energy crisis on February 27th. The government’s plan is to partially replace Russian gas with the reactivation of the nation’s 6 coal-fired power plants located thru ought Italy, are located from Friuli to Sardinia, from Veneto to Puglia, generating 15% of Italy’s power needs with energy which includes new re-gasifiers, creating an increase in national gas production. Electricity will be generated in the A2a thermoelectric plant in Monfalcone, located in the province of Gorizia. In addition to Italy’s energy needs, refugees will be accepted.
Italy will also accept Ukrainian refugees and has allocated funds to do that.
