Rome Times

Sustainable Gastronomy Helps Revive Rural Economies in Calabria

Rural communities in Calabria are using the international Slow Food movement to attract premium agritourism and support artisanal agriculture, helping some municipalities address population decline through higher-value food and tourism a...

CDP Receives Top Global Sustainability Rating Among Financial Institutions

Morningstar Sustainalytics has awarded Cassa Depositi e Prestiti its highest global environmental, social and governance rating among financial institutions, citing the integration of climate and social criteria into its public investmen...

Italy Raises Volcanic Safety Warnings as Tourists Approach Mount Etna Lava Flows

Civil protection authorities have increased volcanic safety warnings after visitors repeatedly approached active lava flows on Mount Etna to take photographs, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of rules governing access to high-alt...

Extreme Heat Threatens Cheese Stocks Used as Bank Collateral in Emilia-Romagna

Rising summer temperatures are forcing Parmigiano Reggiano producers in Emilia-Romagna to improve climate control in aging warehouses, where millions of cheese wheels are stored and used as high-value collateral for regional bank loans.

Italian Wine Industry Considers Targeted Vineyard Removals to Address Oversupply

The Unione Italiana Vini has signaled support for targeted, state-subsidized vineyard removals in struggling regions as the industry responds to changing global wine consumption and persistent oversupply.

Italian State Lender Partners With G7 Institutions on Climate and Infrastructure Financing

Cassa Depositi e Prestiti has formed an alliance with major development banks from the Group of Seven to combine financing for climate adaptation, food security and sustainable infrastructure projects in emerging Mediterranean and Africa...

European Investment Bank Provides €215 Million for New University Science Campus in Milan

The University of Milan has secured €215 million backed by the European Union’s InvestEU programme and Italian state lenders to develop a new scientific research campus in Lombardy.

Italian Household Spending Hits Record Levels as Employment and Services Recovery Support Demand

Confcommercio says household consumer spending has reached a record level this year, supported by employment and continued recovery in services, hospitality and luxury goods despite persistent inflation.

Meloni Defends Italian Police After Violent Turin-Lyon Rail Protest Clashes

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Carabinieri headquarters to express support for officers injured during clashes with environmental activists opposing construction of the Turin-Lyon high-speed railway in the Susa Valley.

Italian Analysts Warn of Growing Russian, Chinese and Iranian Information Warfare

A new geopolitical intelligence assessment warns that Russian, Chinese and Iranian state actors are increasing cyber and disinformation activity targeting Italy’s political institutions and strategic industrial intellectual property.

Italian State Investor Increases Stake in Euronext to Strengthen Role in European Capital Markets

Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Equity has joined French and Belgian state investors in buying additional shares of Euronext, increasing Italian participation in the European exchange group that operates the Milan stock market.

GreenIT and Galileo Plan Eight New Utility-Scale Solar Projects Across Italy

GreenIT, the renewable energy joint venture between Plenitude and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, has agreed with Galileo to develop eight major solar photovoltaic facilities as Italy expands renewable generation.

Snam Receives €200 Million Green Loan to Modernize Italy’s Gas Network

State-backed lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti has provided Snam with a €200 million loan to modernize the national gas pipeline network and support the integration of sustainable hydrogen infrastructure.

Monte dei Paschi Rejects Takeover Speculation as Strong Results Support Independence

Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena has pushed back against speculation of a takeover by Intesa Sanpaolo after reporting strong quarterly profitability, reaffirming its intention to remain independent within Italy’s banking sector.

Italy and Denmark Lead 22-Nation Call for Stronger EU External Border Controls

Italy and Denmark have joined 22 European countries in calling on European Union leaders to strengthen external border measures and improve management of migration flows across the Mediterranean.

Italy Extends Fuel Price Measures Through Late August to Shield Households and Transport

The Italian government has extended measures to limit the impact of high petrol and diesel prices through late August, using variable excise duties to absorb part of international energy price volatility.

Italian Business and Consumer Confidence Rise Above Forecasts in July

Manufacturing sentiment and consumer confidence both increased during July, according to Italy’s statistics authorities, providing support for the government’s more positive economic outlook despite geopolitical uncertainty.

Mount Etna Ash Disrupts Hundreds of Flights During Italy’s Peak Summer Travel Period

Prolonged volcanic ash emissions from Mount Etna have forced the suspension of hundreds of flights at Catania airport, placing pressure on alternative transport hubs across Sicily during one of the busiest weeks of the summer season.

Italy Approves Corporate Liability Reforms to Reduce Burdens on Small Businesses

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has approved an overhaul of corporate liability rules aimed at cutting compliance costs for smaller companies and protecting business continuity when employees commit administrative violations.

Intesa Sanpaolo and CDP Launch €20 Billion Framework for Italian Agriculture

Intesa Sanpaolo and state lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti have launched a €20 billion financing initiative with the Agriculture Ministry to modernize agribusiness, strengthen climate resilience and support Italy’s food supply chain.

Italian Industrial Groups Prepare Joint Bid for Troubled ex-ILVA Steelworks

A coalition of Italian industrial companies is forming a consortium to bid for the former ILVA steel facilities in Apulia, seeking to protect domestic steel production and thousands of manufacturing jobs in southern Italy.

Italy’s Exports Rise 9.8% as Trade Surplus Exceeds €4 Billion Despite Weak European Demand

Italian exports increased 9.8% year on year and the country recorded a trade surplus of more than €4 billion, according to the national statistics agency, highlighting continued strength in manufacturing despite slower economic activity ...

Italy Unveils Restored Pompeii Areas With New Augmented Reality Visitor Experience

Italian archaeological authorities have opened previously restricted residential areas of Pompeii following restoration work, adding augmented reality tours and seeking to attract more international visitors to the ancient Roman site.

Northern Italy Sees Surge in Eclipse Tourism as Hotels Fill Across Three Regions

Hotels in Piedmont, Valle d’Aosta, and Lombardy have reported sold-out capacity as visitors gathered for a rare solar eclipse that produced up to ninety percent coverage across northwestern Italy shortly before sunset.

Ferrari Reports Strong Earnings as Global Deliveries and Personalisation Demand Rise

Ferrari has exceeded financial expectations as strong global deliveries and demand for highly customised vehicles from wealthy customers support its quarterly performance.

Italy Advances Lunar Habitat Research With European and US Partners

The Italian Space Agency has reached agreements with European and American partners to develop pressurised living modules for future lunar missions, building on Italy’s aerospace manufacturing expertise.

Italian Wine Producers Warn of Lower Harvests After Severe Summer Drought

Wine producers in Umbria and Tuscany expect grape yields to fall by as much as ten percent because of prolonged water shortages and extreme heat, raising concerns about exports from some of Italy’s best-known wine regions.

Guardia di Finanza Targets Mafia Infiltration of Logistics Sector in Nationwide Raids

Italy’s financial police have carried out coordinated raids in Calabria, Campania, and Lombardy, seizing millions of euros in assets and targeting an organised crime network accused of seeking control of freight transport and port operat...

Italy’s Public Hospitals Seek Emergency Funding as Doctor and Nurse Shortages Worsen

Regional governors across Italy are calling for immediate government funding to address shortages of doctors and nurses, warning that the loss of medical staff is putting increasing pressure on public hospital operations.

Ferrovie dello Stato Completes Major Tunnelling Phase on Naples-Bari High-Speed Rail Link

Italy’s state railway operator has completed a critical tunnelling stage in Campania, advancing the high-speed connection between Naples and Bari and bringing faster passenger and commercial links across southern Italy closer to completion.

Venice Extends Tourist Entry Fee as Authorities Seek to Manage Summer Crowds

Venice has expanded its mandatory daily access fee for day-trippers following earlier trials, using the measure to generate revenue for heritage conservation and manage pressure from summer tourism.

Lombardy Approves Milan Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Infrastructure Hub

Lombardy authorities and international technology groups have approved a major data centre project intended to attract artificial intelligence investment and talent while expanding digital infrastructure around Milan.

Italy’s Central Mediterranean Migration Arrivals Decline as North African Cooperation Expands

Italian coast guard and security authorities have recorded fewer migrant landings on Lampedusa and along the Sicilian coast, linking the decline to strengthened bilateral agreements and maritime patrols with key North African transit cou...

Italy Steps Up Family Support Plans as Low Birth Rate Shrinks Workforce

The Italian government is preparing expanded child allowances, longer parental leave, and subsidised childcare as part of efforts to address persistently low birth rates and the resulting pressure on the country’s working-age population.

Fincantieri Wins Two Billion Euro Cruise Ship Contract for Genoa Shipyards

Fincantieri has secured a two billion euro international order for next-generation cruise ships using alternative fuels, supporting thousands of specialised jobs in Liguria and strengthening Italy’s position in global shipbuilding.

Telecom Italia Completes Sale of Fixed-Line Network to KKR to Cut Debt

Telecom Italia has completed the transfer of its national fixed-line broadband network to US investment firm KKR, a landmark transaction intended to reduce the company’s debt and reshape Italy’s telecommunications market.

Leonardo Wins Major European Defense Contract for Advanced Surveillance Technology

Italian aerospace and defense group Leonardo has secured a major contract with European defense ministries to develop next-generation surveillance systems, including advanced radar and drone technologies.

Enel Green Power Opens Major Solar Facility in Sicily as Italy Expands Renewable Capacity

Enel Green Power has brought one of Southern Italy’s largest photovoltaic facilities into operation, supporting national decarbonisation efforts while aiming to reduce emissions and electricity costs for domestic industry.

Italy Advances Messina Strait Bridge Project With New Engineering Phase

The Italian Infrastructure Ministry has authorised preliminary construction funding for the proposed bridge linking Sicily with mainland Italy, advancing the long-running project despite continuing environmental and political opposition.

ITA Airways and Lufthansa Begin Operational Integration After EU Antitrust Approval

ITA Airways and Lufthansa have begun integrating flight networks and ticketing systems following European Commission approval, with the partnership aiming to strengthen Rome Fiumicino’s role as an intercontinental hub serving Southern Eu...

Italy Reports Decline in Central Mediterranean Irregular Arrivals After North African Cooperation

Italian authorities say irregular migrant arrivals on Lampedusa and the Sicilian coast have fallen from a year earlier, attributing the decline to stronger diplomatic cooperation and maritime patrols with North African transit countries.

Italy’s Luxury and Fashion Industry Maintains Export Growth Despite Slower Asian Demand

Major Italian fashion houses and luxury manufacturers are offsetting weaker conditions in traditional Asian markets with continued demand from North America and the Middle East, supporting export revenues and the country’s trade balance.

UniCredit and Intesa Sanpaolo Report Record Quarterly Profits as Banking Sector Remains Strong

Italy’s two largest banks have reported stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings, supported by interest margins and wealth management, while increasing shareholder distributions and maintaining robust capital buffers.

Eni Expands Mediterranean Gas Deals to Strengthen Italy’s Energy Supply

Eni has finalised new extraction and transport agreements in North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, reinforcing Italy’s role as a major European energy hub and reducing exposure to volatile global spot markets.

Stellantis Invests in Turin Mirafiori Complex to Expand Electric and Luxury Vehicle Production

Stellantis is moving ahead with a new investment phase at its historic Mirafiori facility after talks with the Italian government, with the upgrade intended to protect local employment and increase production of premium and electric vehi...