ROME, July 29, 2026 – Italy and the United States are set to sign a cooperation agreement on Friday, July 31, 2026, to join the Pax Silica initiative, which focuses on securing artificial intelligence (AI) supply chains. The agreement will be signed by US Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta in Brindisi, southern Italy, according to a statement from Rome's foreign ministry.

The Pax Silica initiative, led by the US State Department, brings together allied countries to secure AI-related supply chains encompassing semiconductors, critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, and AI models. The Italian ministry stated, "The goal is to foster an ecosystem supporting the growth of these key sectors and to reduce dependence on exporting countries."

Italy was originally scheduled to join Pax Silica during a June meeting in Miami. However, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled the trip following a public falling out between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and former US President Donald Trump, during which Washington accused Rome of providing insufficient support in the Iran war.

This agreement marks a renewed collaboration between Italy and the US in the strategic area of AI supply chains.

Sources