Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvo - Chairman, Leonardo SpA

Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvo discusses the increasing prioritization of defense in Europe, highlighting the need for coordinated development of European capacities and capabilities within the EU and NATO. He emphasizes the importance of clarity in implementing new regulations and the significant increase in defense budgets. The Ambassador notes that while rising defense spending benefits companies like Leonardo, it reflects global instability. He distinguishes between defense and overall security, stressing the protection of critical infrastructure. Optimism about Europe's future is tempered by the need for quicker action. He expresses excitement about AI's role in improving production processes and company management, noting Leonardo's strong position in AI technology. The Ambassador is optimistic about the continued growth in defense company valuations.