Rome Times

French National Assembly Overrides Senate to Pass Historic Assisted-Dying Legislation

A decisive lower house vote concludes years of intense national debate, establishing a legal framework for medically assisted suicide amid constitutional challenges.

Spanish Prime Minister's Wife Ordered to Stand Trial as Corruption Probes Encircle Governing Party

Judge bans Begoña Gómez from leaving the country while spreading investigations into Pedro Sánchez's inner circle weaken Spain's fragile ruling coalition.

Zelensky Faces Kyiv Protests Over Ousting of Dynamic Ukrainian Defense Minister

The sudden removal of Mykhaylo Fedorov after six months in office sparks rare wartime demonstrations and exposes a bitter public rift between the former minister and military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Thomas Tuchel Faces Fierce Backlash After Tactical Retreat Costs England World Cup Final Berth

English manager's defensive substitutions and post-match remarks ignite a national controversy following a late collapse against Argentina in the semi-final.

A Quiet Bastille Day: France Grapples with World Cup Heartbreak and Leftover Fireworks

After a devastating semi-final loss to Spain on their national holiday, French fans experience the bitter reality of digital-era football as the national team heads south for a third-place playoff.

Prosecutors Conclude Financial Investigation Into Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè

Milan prosecutors have closed a preliminary inquiry into Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè over alleged corporate fraud and bankruptcy offences linked to her publishing businesses, keeping political pressure on the governing coalition.

Chinese Investor Moves to Acquire Majority Stake in Giochi Preziosi

China's Superhisen is advancing plans to purchase a controlling interest in Italian toy maker Giochi Preziosi, reviving debate over foreign investment in long-established Italian consumer brands.

Milan Challenges Decision to Rename Malpensa Airport After Silvio Berlusconi

Milan's municipal government has formally appealed the transport ministry's decision to rename Malpensa International Airport in honor of the late former prime minister, extending a political dispute over his public legacy.

Stellantis Suspends Cassino Production While Expanding Alfa Romeo Investment

Stellantis halted production at its Cassino plant because of weak European demand while confirming plans to build a new Alfa Romeo sport utility vehicle at its Melfi facility as it reshapes its Italian manufacturing operations.

Vehicle Attack in Modena Leaves Eight People Seriously Injured

Authorities are investigating the motive after a driver deliberately crashed into a commercial storefront in Modena, leaving eight pedestrians critically injured and prompting anti-terrorism investigators to assess the incident.

Italy and United States Face Brief Diplomatic Tension After G7 Remarks

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni rejected statements made by United States President Donald Trump about their interactions following the G7 summit, prompting Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to suspend a planned visit to the United States.

Meloni and Merz Reject Donald Trump's Proposed Board of Peace Initiative

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declined to join a proposal promoted by United States President Donald Trump, citing constitutional limits on participation in international bodies that would gra...

European Union Extends Italy's VAT Split-Payment System

European Union finance ministers approved the continuation of Italy's special value-added tax split-payment mechanism for public sector suppliers, allowing Rome to maintain a key measure aimed at reducing tax evasion and protecting gover...

Fincantieri Wins €600 Million Underwater Defense Technology Contract

The Trieste-based shipbuilder secured a major contract to develop advanced underwater maritime technologies, reinforcing Italy's role in European naval defense manufacturing amid growing demand for maritime security capabilities.

Major Anti-Mafia Operation Targets 'Ndrangheta Networks in Calabria

More than 500 police officers arrested 79 people in coordinated raids against the De Stefano, Tegano and Condello crime groups in Reggio Calabria, dismantling alleged drug trafficking and extortion networks in one of Italy's largest rece...

Severe Drought Threatens Po River Basin as Water Levels Continue to Fall

Italy's National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research said water flows in the Po River have dropped by as much as 80 percent, prompting emergency irrigation measures in Veneto and raising concerns over crop losses across n...

Eni and Seri Industrial Launch Major Battery Manufacturing Project in Brindisi

Eni has begun construction of a lithium iron phosphate battery plant in southern Italy, aiming to capture 10 percent of the European stationary energy storage market by the end of the decade while strengthening domestic renewable energy ...

Italian Coalition Suffers Narrow Parliamentary Defeat on Electoral Reform

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government lost a key vote on an electoral reform amendment by a single ballot after defections during a secret vote exposed divisions within the governing coalition and drew criticism from opposition part...

Ministry of Economy Plans Final Exit From Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena

Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said the government will sell its remaining 4.9 percent stake in Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena through an accelerated bookbuilding process, bringing state ownership to an end as Intesa Sanpaolo adva...

Spain in Ecstasy: "We Feel Unbeatable, We Taught the Whole World a Lesson"

European champions Spain beat France 2-0 to reach the World Cup final, extending their unbeaten run to 37 matches and setting a record with eight consecutive knockout victories at major tournaments.

Spain and UK Dismantle Gibraltar Border Following Landmark Schengen Integration Treaty

A new diplomatic framework officially incorporates the British overseas territory into the European Union's passport-free zone, replacing a physical fence with a digitized security network.

Italy Expects Record Summer Tourism as More Visitors Choose Smaller Destinations

Tourism researchers forecast more than 171 million visitors during July and August, with growing demand for smaller towns and inland destinations as travellers increasingly seek alternatives to crowded cities such as Rome and Venice.

Italy Introduces Energy Relief Measures for Industrial Businesses

The government is advancing the Energy Decree, which will reduce electricity system charges for non-domestic users through funding generated by taxes on traditional energy companies to support industrial competitiveness.

Heatwave and Rapid Snowmelt Raise Drought Concerns Across Northern Italy

Environmental authorities warned that persistent high temperatures and accelerated Alpine snowmelt are reducing water reserves, increasing the risk of drought later this summer across the Po Valley's industrial and agricultural regions.

Kering to Reclaim Gucci Beauty Business From Coty in 2027

Kering has agreed to pay 400 million US dollars to end Coty's Gucci Beauty licence early, allowing the luxury group to bring its cosmetics and fragrance business back under direct control from 2027.

Italy's Highest Court Upholds Convictions in Saman Abbas Honor Killing Case

Italy's Supreme Court of Cassation confirmed the life sentences imposed on the parents and relatives of Saman Abbas, bringing one of the country's most closely watched criminal cases to a conclusion.

Italy Moves to Implement European Union Artificial Intelligence Rules

The Council of Ministers has given preliminary approval to legislation implementing the European Union AI Act, including safeguards requiring human oversight and prohibiting fully automated disciplinary decisions in the workplace.

Eni Begins Construction of Major Battery Manufacturing Plant in Brindisi

Eni has started building a lithium iron phosphate battery manufacturing facility in Brindisi that is expected to reach annual production capacity of 16 gigawatt-hours by 2030, supporting European battery supply chains and renewable energ...

S&P Affirms UniCredit Ratings After Commerzbank Stake Expansion

Standard & Poor's maintained UniCredit's credit ratings and outlook after the Italian bank increased its economic interest in Germany's Commerzbank to 47.5 percent, strengthening its position to assume managerial control by the end of th...

Israel and Lebanon Hold US-Mediated Security Talks in Rome

Delegations from Israel and Lebanon concluded two days of negotiations at the United States Embassy in Rome, establishing preliminary plans for pilot security zones in southern Lebanon to support Israeli troop withdrawals and expand Leba...

Stellantis Boosts Italian Vehicle Production on Strong Hybrid Model Output

Stellantis increased vehicle production in Italy by 13.7 percent during the first half of 2026, building more than 252,000 vehicles as new Fiat 500 Hybrid and Jeep Compass production helped offset weaker demand across the wider European ...

Bank of Italy and IMF Forecast Italy's Economy to Grow Just 0.5 Percent in 2026

The Bank of Italy and the International Monetary Fund both expect Italy's economy to expand by 0.5 percent this year, reflecting weak investment and manufacturing exports amid high borrowing costs and continued geopolitical uncertainty.

Italian Government Suffers Coalition Setback After Electoral Reform Defeated in Secret Parliamentary Vote

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's ruling coalition exposed internal divisions after about thirty coalition lawmakers reportedly broke ranks to defeat a proposal to restore preference voting by a single vote, prompting renewed opposition ca...

Hungary's "Puppet" President to Be Ousted, Orbán Fumes: "Democracy Is Dead"

Hungary's new prime minister, Péter Magyar, has secured a constitutional amendment intended to remove President Tamás Sulyok immediately. Viktor Orbán, whom Magyar defeated after 16 years in power, says the move is unlawful and has calle...

Slow Food Expands Global Mission Under New Leadership

The Slow Food movement announced plans to broaden its international focus under new president Edward Mukiibi, placing greater emphasis on sustainable agriculture, climate resilience and support for small-scale farmers.

Italian Mid-Market Luxury Brands Face Softer Consumer Demand

Researchers from Bocconi University said mid-tier Italian fashion labels are facing growing pressure as affluent consumers increasingly favour established ultra-luxury brands with strong heritage and sustainability credentials.

Fendi Debuts Maria Grazia Chiuri's First Couture Collection in Rome

Fendi unveiled its latest haute couture collection at Rome's Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna, marking Maria Grazia Chiuri's debut as Chief Creative Officer and reaffirming the city's influence in global luxury fashion.