Rome Times

Italian Textile Machinery Industry Prioritises Sustainable Innovation

Manufacturers say future research and development will focus on energy-efficient automation and water-saving technologies to strengthen the sector's international competitiveness.

Piaggio Marks 80 Years of the Vespa with Meeting at Palazzo Chigi

Piaggio executives met Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Vespa, highlighting the scooter's lasting role in Italian manufacturing and design.

Torino Fashion Week Highlights Sustainable Textiles and Global Business Partnerships

The latest edition of Torino Fashion Week brought together Italian designers and international buyers, with sustainability and responsible production emerging as central themes.

Italian Influencer Marketing Industry Grows to €400 Million

A new industry report says Italy's influencer marketing sector expanded by 10% this year as brands shifted spending away from celebrity personalities toward specialist mid-sized content creators.

Government Opposes Closing Investigation into 1980 Ustica Air Disaster

Italy's State Advocate General has formally objected to ending the long-running criminal investigation into the 1980 Ustica aviation disaster, keeping the inquiry into the deaths of 81 people active.

Italy Reports Sharp Decline in Mediterranean Migrant Arrivals but Higher Death Toll at Sea

Interior Ministry figures show irregular arrivals by sea fell by 53% during the first half of the year, while the number of confirmed migrant deaths increased sharply as smugglers turned to more dangerous routes and vessels.

Italy Takes Leadership of Tallinn Mechanism with New Cybersecurity Support for Ukraine

Italy has assumed the rotating presidency of the Tallinn Mechanism and pledged an additional €1 million to strengthen digital infrastructure and cybersecurity for Ukrainian public services.

Stellantis Reports Higher Italian Vehicle Production Despite Factory Shutdown Risks

Stellantis increased vehicle production in Italy by 13.7% in the first half of the year, driven by hybrid models, although unions warn output remains below government targets as the Mirafiori plant faces further stoppages.

Eni and Mercuria Form Global Energy Trading Joint Venture

Eni and Swiss commodities trader Mercuria have agreed to establish a joint venture to manage the global trading and logistics of oil, natural gas, liquefied natural gas and biofuels.

Italy's Services Sector Returns to Growth as Composite Business Activity Improves

New purchasing managers' index data show Italy's services sector expanded in June, lifting the composite index to a four-month high despite broader economic weakness across parts of Europe.

Pope Leo XIV Criticises Italy's Fast-Track Migrant Deportation Policies During Lampedusa Visit

Speaking on the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, Pope Leo XIV urged European governments to uphold the dignity of migrants and criticised accelerated deportation measures introduced by the Italian government.

Meloni Rejects Trump's Claims About Their Diplomatic Exchanges

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has accused Donald Trump of making false claims about their recent interactions, while Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled a planned visit to Washington amid the diplomatic dispute.

Italy Rejects Claims It Blocked €70 Billion NATO Military Aid Package for Ukraine

The Italian government has denied reports that it opposed a proposed €70 billion NATO military assistance package for Ukraine, insisting its support for Kyiv remains unchanged ahead of upcoming alliance meetings.

Nationwide Aviation Strike Disrupts Hundreds of Flights Across Italy

A 24-hour strike involving air traffic controllers, pilots and baggage handlers has disrupted hundreds of flights at major airports including Milan Malpensa, Rome Fiumicino, Rome Ciampino and Catania during the peak summer travel season.

European Commission Approves €23 Billion Italian Renewable Energy Support Scheme

The European Commission has authorised a €23 billion state aid framework to help deploy more than 37 gigawatts of new solar, wind and hydropower capacity through long-term contracts designed to encourage investment and stabilise electric...

Italy Debates Framework Law to Restore Nuclear Power by 2033

The Italian parliament has entered a decisive stage of discussions on legislation that would establish the legal framework for investment in small modular reactors as the government pursues the return of domestic nuclear power by the nex...

Port of Genoa Expansion Strengthens Italy's Maritime Trade Capacity

Major dredging and breakwater upgrades at the Port of Genoa are advancing to accommodate larger container ships and reinforce northern Italy's position as a key Mediterranean logistics hub.

Italian Employers Renew Calls for Skilled Immigration to Address Labour Shortages

Business groups are urging the government to expand skilled migration quotas, warning that demographic decline and persistent workforce shortages are placing increasing pressure on the manufacturing and hospitality sectors.

Southern Italy Introduces Emergency Water Measures as Drought Threatens Agriculture

Regional authorities across Sicily and southern Italy have introduced emergency water management measures and infrastructure funding to address severe drought conditions that threaten citrus, olive and wine production.

Italian Cities Tighten Overtourism Controls as Summer Visitor Numbers Reach New Highs

Authorities in Venice, Florence and Rome are expanding tourist taxes, access restrictions and limits on short-term rentals to ease pressure on historic city centres during the peak summer travel season.

Italy Strengthens North African Energy Partnerships to Reinforce Mediterranean Gas Hub Ambitions

The Italian government and state-controlled energy company Eni are expanding natural gas production and pipeline agreements with North African partners to strengthen Italy's energy security and its role as a gateway for gas supplies into...

Italy Extends July Tax Deadlines to Ease Compliance Burden for Businesses and Professionals

The Ministry of Economy and Finance has postponed key July tax filing and payment deadlines until the end of the month, providing additional time for small businesses, freelancers and accounting professionals to meet their obligations.

Italy Declines European Union Defence Loan Scheme to Focus on Domestic Spending Priorities

The Italian government has opted out of the European Union's €14.9 billion Security Action for Europe loan programme, saying it will prioritise national resources to address domestic cost-of-living and energy challenges.

European Commission Expects EU Recovery Funds to Support Italy's Economy Despite Weak Domestic Demand

The European Commission forecasts Italy's economy will grow 0.5% this year, with investment financed through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan helping offset the effects of persistent inflation and subdued consumer spending.

President Sergio Mattarella Reaffirms Italy's Commitment to Transatlantic Security Partnership

In a message marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, President Sergio Mattarella told President Donald Trump that Italy and the United States must continue working together through NATO and the United Nations amid heightened ...

Italian Authorities Launch Emergency Response After Large Fentanyl Theft From Rome Hospital

Government officials convened an emergency security meeting after 80 vials of fentanyl, estimated to be enough for 20,000 illicit doses, were stolen from Rome's Israelite Hospital, prompting a nationwide police investigation and Health M...

Italy Seeks More Flexible NATO Ukraine Aid Language Ahead of Summit

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government is seeking changes to the wording of a proposed €70 billion NATO military assistance package for Ukraine to preserve room for future negotiations with Russia while reaffirming plans to raise Ita...

Pope Leo XIV Calls for Greater Western Support for Migrants During First Trip Outside Rome

On his first pastoral visit beyond Rome, Pope Leo XIV travelled to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa on United States Independence Day, dedicated a pier to Pope Francis and urged Europe and the United States to protect migrants crossing t...

Serie A Clubs Press for Faster Stadium Modernisation Projects

Italy's leading football clubs are urging national and local authorities to simplify approval procedures and unlock investment for stadium upgrades before future European competitions.

Vatican Expands Diplomatic Outreach on International Conflicts

The Holy See has intensified diplomatic contacts with international partners, seeking to support humanitarian access and discreet peace efforts in conflicts across Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Summer Superyacht Demand Pushes Italian Marina Capacity to the Limit

Luxury yacht brokers reported exceptionally limited berth availability in destinations including Port Cervo, Capri and Portofino during the Mediterranean summer season.

Italian Defence Companies Deepen European Industrial Partnerships

Italian aerospace and defence manufacturers are expanding cooperation with French and German partners to strengthen technology sharing and joint procurement across Europe.

Italian Coast Guard Steps Up Mediterranean Migrant Rescue Operations

Italian maritime authorities carried out multiple rescue and interception missions as favourable weather led to an increase in migrant boat departures from North Africa.

Venice Expands Tourist Entry Fee to Manage Peak Visitor Numbers

Venice has widened its day-trip entry fee programme and strengthened digital ticketing controls to reduce congestion and help fund the preservation of the historic city.

Unexpected Alpine Snow Follows Severe Heatwave Across Northern Italy

Heavy snowfall and hail affected the Stelvio Pass and parts of Trentino and South Tyrol shortly after an intense heatwave, prompting emergency responses to rapidly changing weather conditions.

Italy Investigates Major Fentanyl Theft From Rome Hospital

Authorities launched an urgent investigation after 80 vials of fentanyl were stolen from Rome's Israelite Hospital, prompting tighter national security measures for controlled medicines.

Italian Luxury Groups Strengthen Domestic Supply Chains Through Supplier Acquisitions

Leading luxury companies are acquiring specialist leather, textile and hardware suppliers to secure production capacity and preserve the quality of the Made in Italy brand.

Italy's Textile Machinery Industry Maintains Export Strength Despite Weaker European Demand

The Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers said strong demand from Asia offset slower sales in North America and Turkey, supporting exports of energy-efficient production equipment.

Milan Stock Exchange Sees Increase in Technology and Fintech Listings

The Borsa Italiana is attracting more listings from digital payments, software and financial technology companies, reflecting growing investor interest in Italy's technology sector.