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Article by Annalisa Cangemi – Journalist, Fanpage.it

This is what emerges from a survey by Skuola.net, published the day after the entry into force of the €150 billion SAFE instrument, provided for by the rearmament plan approved by the EU Commission, to provide long-term loans to member states for the purchase of armaments and defense systems.

The debate over increased defense spending in Europe also involves young Italians. A survey published today shows that increased military spending in Europe is viewed favorably by nearly 1 in 4 young people. This data comes from the new edition of the “Professions in Uniform” Observatory, conducted by Skuola.net in collaboration with Nissolino Corsi—a company specializing in preparing for uniform competitions—on a sample of 2,700 young men and women aged 11 to 25 and over 300 parents. Increased military spending in particular is seen as a potential source of new career opportunities in the sector.

In addition to the topic of defense investments, young people also expressed their opinion on the topic of careers in uniform—whether in the Armed Forces or the Police—which, despite the backdrop of strong international instability due to open war fronts, continues to appeal.

Nearly 1 in 4—26%—is seriously considering a career in the military. This is far from a marginal number, and it also demonstrates a high level of conviction. According to Skuola.net, for a quarter of them—24%, with peaks of 28% among men—it’s not just a mere possibility, but already represents their primary career option. This would also explain why the annual selection competitions are sold out.

For those interested in a career in uniform, current war scenarios have no impact whatsoever (35%), often even reinforcing their convictions (22%) or, at the very least (24%), leading them to consider repositioning themselves from their initial plans, perhaps imagining moving to administrations less active on the international stage. Or even doing the opposite, moving from the office to the “field.”

These views are linked to the increase in military spending in Europe, which 23% of the sample viewed favorably. Only a minority (19%) said that wars had dampened their interest. But among girls, the percentage rises to 29%, compared to 13% of boys, highlighting a different sensitivity towards the international context and the potential risks associated with a military career.

Differences between male and female careers in uniform
Although motivated, girls tend to gravitate toward the police force, perceived as less exposed to the war front. Likewise, girls show a preference for less operational roles—often with organizational, logistical, or administrative functions—but more stable and structured over time. Among males, for example, a marked propensity toward action-related tasks is noted: 61% of males report this, compared to 53% of females.

On the other hand, girls, despite being numerically less interested in careers in uniform—19% versus 28% of boys—show a greater aspiration for managerial roles: 32% of young women interested in entering this world aim for the rank of officer, versus 26% of boys.

But, ultimately, which forces do young people most want to join today? In first place, we find a triad: Carabinieri, State Police, and Army, each with 16% of the vote. With a further push from men toward the Army (20%), while women could swell the ranks of the other two forces (Carabinieri and Police rose to 18% of the vote).

What is the current state of the European rearmament plan called for by Ursula von der Leyen?

Just this week, on Tuesday, May 27, the Council of the European Union gave final approval to the regulation allocating €150 billion in loans guaranteed by the EU budget to increase defense spending . The regulation establishes the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument, one of the pillars of the rearmament plan (later renamed Readiness 2030) launched by the European Commission on March 19.

The plan is worth €800 billion in total : Brussels has confirmed its forecast, and member states could invest up to €650 billion in the defense sector by 2030, with a temporary exemption from the strict rules of the Stability Pact to increase military spending without incurring deficit penalties; another €150 billion will then be guaranteed through the issuance of Commission bonds to support loans to member states.

The European regulation establishing the SAFE instrument was published in the Official Journal yesterday, 29 May, and entered into force immediately.

Before March 19, Brussels was already moving toward a general increase in military spending, given the global geopolitical situation. As reported on the European Council website, total defense spending by EU member states increased by over 30% between 2021 and 2024. In 2024, it reached an estimated €326 billion, equivalent to approximately 1.9% of EU GDP. Already at the end of February, the forecast was to increase military spending by an additional €100 billion in real terms by 2027.

How the SAFE instrument for European rearmament that has entered into force works

The new instrument, with a budget of €150 billion, will provide long-term loans (with a maximum maturity of 45 years and a 10-year grace period for principal repayment) at competitive prices and well-structured. The resources will be allocated based on demand.

Member States wishing to receive loans will be required to submit a European defense industry investment plan to the Commission within the next six months. The plan must include a description of the activities, expenditure, and measures for which the Member State is requesting a loan, the defense products it intends to purchase, and, where applicable, Ukraine’s expected involvement in the planned activities. The Commission will then assess the plans, which will include the loan size and pre-financing. The pre-financing will ensure the support is paid as early as 2025, covering the most urgent needs.

To reduce fragmentation in defense capabilities, the Commission has proposed that loans be granted in the presence of joint procurements involving at least two participating countries. However, in response to the current geopolitical situation and the declared need for investment in defense equipment, SAFE will also allow purchases involving a single Member State for a limited period.

Accession countries, candidate countries, potential candidates, and countries that have signed a security and defense partnership with the EU, such as the United Kingdom, are also eligible to participate in the tenders. These include Ukraine and the countries of the European Economic Area (Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland), which will be considered as member states.

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