Italy Joins US-Led AI Supply Chain Initiative

Italy and the United States will sign a cooperation agreement on Friday under the Pax Silica initiative, aimed at securing supply chains critical to artificial intelligence, Italy's foreign ministry announced on Wednesday.

The US State Department initiative brings together allied countries to bolster supply chains for AI-related technologies, including semiconductors, critical minerals, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence models.

The agreement will be signed in the southern Italian city of Brindisi by Ambassador Armando Varricchio, and US Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta.

Italy had originally been due to join the initiative in June at an event in Miami. However, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled the trip following a public dispute between Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and US President Donald Trump. At the time, Washington accused Rome of failing to provide sufficient support during the war with Iran.

According to the foreign ministry, the agreement is intended to support the development of key technology sectors and reduce dependence on exporting countries.

(Reuters, bak)