Only 16 percent of Italians would fight for their country, the survey shows

The survey by the Centre for Social Investment Studies (CENSIS) showed that 39% of Italians between the ages of 18 and 45 would be declared conscientious objectors, 19% would try to avoid recruiting in another way, and 26% would prefer that Italy employ foreign mercenaries.

After years of mounting geopolitical tension and two ongoing nearby wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, Italy has joined other NATO countries in pledging to boost national defence expenditures.

However, most Italians remain sceptical of rearmatation, writes Reuters, broadcast Periscope.

Only 26% believe military prevention is a good way to ensure peace, while only 25% support the growth of military budgets even if that means reducing social assistance.

Only 11% would like the country to have nuclear weapons.

Despite a 46% increase in defence spending over the past decade, per capita spending in Italy remains relatively low at $586, the survey shows.

This is compared to $686 in Greece and over 2,000 in countries like the US or Norway.

To ensure Italy, 49% of all Italians are in favour of strengthening NATO, while 58% would like to see an integrated European Union defence system, with a single army, under a unified command and joint arms procurement.

Another poll released last month by the European Council of Foreign Relations indicated that only 17% of Italians support increased defence spending, the lowest percentage among 12 European countries surveyed. /Periscope/