rantee the Ministry its compliance with modern criteria of effectiveness, efficiency and economy, to allow the Defence to successfully face the challenges of today and tomorrow; - developing cultural and organizational elements that enable the Defence to contribute systematically to the Nation’s effort to develop the necessary framework of security previously referred to. 9. The elements contained in this White Paper are the basis for the development of solutions to be implemented and which will have to be refined and developed quickly, according to the indications outlined in the final chapter. The military, security and defence 10. The Italians of our generation have experienced a long period in which it was possible to take advantage of a wide security framework and during which the participation in international efforts for peace and stability was a question of “choice”. Under In the current situation it is important not to underestimate the fact that direct involvement in some of the current or potential crises could become an unavoidable commitment. It is therefore necessary to prevent the occurrence of such situations and take appropriate action in the event of failure, in order to contain them - before they become too big to be faced with only limited sacrifice. 11. The financial and economic crisis and the need to contain the public debt, however, do not allow the country to provide in the short term, all the resources that would be needed to address these challenges with all the right tools and in all situations. Through a wise choice and use of the tools that are available, we need to identify the correct priorities for action and the most appropriate ways of intervening to ensure the achievement of the strategic objectives that are being pursued. 12. Secondly, it is necessary to summarize two requirements: the preparations necessary to deal with an immediate crisis involving the nation and the preservation, - 16 -