Rome Times

Meloni Rejects Claims About Group of Seven Summit as Brief Tensions Emerge With Washington

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly denied assertions made by former US President Donald Trump regarding the recent summit, while Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled a planned trip to Washington amid the diplomatic dispute.

Italy Steps Up Economic Diplomacy With Canada and the United Arab Emirates After Group of Seven Summit

Rome has launched new diplomatic initiatives aimed at securing Canadian supplies of critical minerals and attracting investment from Emirati sovereign wealth funds into Italian infrastructure projects.

Ferrari Tribute to the Mille Miglia Generates Strong Economic Boost for Regional Tourism

The seventeenth edition of the exclusive motoring event concluded in Brescia after a 1,900-kilometre journey across Italy, drawing affluent international participants and supporting local hospitality businesses.

Intesa Sanpaolo Advises on Sale of Healthcare Technology Company Alfahealth to Accenture

The lender's investment banking division acted as sole financial adviser in the transaction, underscoring growing demand for digital transformation and artificial intelligence applications in Italy's healthcare sector.

Italian Agricultural Groups Prepare for Drought Risks Linked to El Niño Forecasts

Farming organisations are reassessing water management and irrigation plans after warnings that extreme weather could threaten domestic wheat, olive and wine production during the summer.

Intesa Sanpaolo Approves Share Award Plan for More Than Fifty Thousand Employees

The bank authorised a capital increase to distribute 76 million free shares to domestic employees, directly linking workforce incentives to its long-term financial performance.

Ferrari Marks Seventy-Five Years in Formula One With Global Motorsport Celebrations

The Maranello-based manufacturer announced plans to showcase its Formula One heritage at international events this summer, using its racing legacy to strengthen consumer engagement and Italy's global brand appeal.

Venice Receives International Recognition for Innovative Flood Barrier Management

The city was honoured for its advanced hydrodynamic modelling system that optimises operation of the MOSE flood barriers while protecting the sensitive ecosystem of the Venetian lagoon.

Italian Supreme Court Ends Long-Running Eni and Shell Nigeria Corruption Case

Italy's highest court acquitted two prosecutors linked to the failed trial over the OPL 245 Nigerian oil block, bringing one of the global energy industry's most closely watched legal sagas to a definitive close.

Maserati Launches Updated Models as Iconic Italian Brand Marks One Hundred Years

The luxury automaker unveiled new versions of the GranTurismo, GranCabrio and Grecale, highlighting production in Modena and Cassino as it seeks to strengthen its position in the global premium vehicle market.

Luxury Fashion Houses Offset Asian Weakness With Expansion in the United States and Gulf Markets

Major Milan-based brands reported encouraging summer sales trends as retail growth in North America and the Persian Gulf compensated for slower demand in traditional Asian markets.

International Tourism Arrivals Surge Across Italy at Start of Peak Summer Season

Regional tourism boards and airport operators reported a marked increase in foreign visitors during the first half of June, reinforcing the hospitality industry's central role in employment and economic growth.

Italy's Labour Market Continues to Add Jobs Despite Broader European Industrial Weakness

New figures from the National Institute of Statistics showed employment growth remaining stronger than expected, supported by demand in technology, tourism and high-value manufacturing industries.

Severe Flooding and Mudslides in Northern Italy Renew Calls for Climate Resilience Upgrades

Emergency authorities reported significant flooding and landslides in Trentino-Alto Adige after intense thunderstorms, highlighting the vulnerability of northern infrastructure to increasingly extreme weather events.

Italy Accelerates High-Speed Rail Projects Across the South With European Recovery Funds

The transport ministry approved faster funding disbursements for key rail corridors linking Naples, Bari and Palermo as part of a broader effort to modernise logistics networks and stimulate investment in southern Italy.

Eni and Fincantieri Form Alliance to Develop Autonomous Underwater Robotics

The energy company and shipbuilder signed an agreement to commercialise Clean Sea robotic technologies, expanding Italian capabilities in maritime security, subsea monitoring and offshore carbon capture infrastructure.

Stellantis Invests in Solid-State Battery Developer Factorial to Advance Electric Vehicle Technology

The Franco-Italian automaker has acquired a 9.5% stake in Factorial Energy, aiming to integrate solid-state batteries that offer improved driving range and faster charging into future European electric vehicle models.

Conservative Movement Led by Roberto Vannacci Overtakes League in Italian Opinion Poll

A new national survey showed the political faction associated with General Roberto Vannacci surpassing Matteo Salvini's League for the first time, signalling potential shifts within Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's governing coalition.

Italy Welcomes Joint Security Hub in Libya to Combat Mediterranean Smuggling Networks

Italian officials praised the launch of a joint operations room in Tripoli, where Italian liaison officers are working alongside Qatari and Turkish counterparts to tackle human trafficking and manage migration flows across the central Me...

Italy Reopens Embassy in Tehran After Talks on Regional Stability With Iran

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi agreed to support efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East, prompting Rome to reopen its diplomatic mission in Tehran.

Italy Cuts 2026 Growth Forecast but Says Public Finances Can Withstand Middle East Turmoil

Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti projected economic growth of 0.5% in 2026, slightly below previous estimates, while maintaining that Italy's public finances remain resilient despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Italy Wins European Union Backing for Greater Flexibility on Energy and Industrial Spending

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Rome expects Brussels to grant fiscal leeway similar to that provided for defence spending, enabling additional support for manufacturers and households facing persistent energy market pressures.

Intesa Sanpaolo Presses Ahead with €30.6 Billion Takeover Offer for Monte dei Paschi

Italy's largest lender has accelerated its bid to acquire Monte dei Paschi di Siena, seeking to create a pan-European wealth management group overseeing more than €2 trillion in customer assets by the end of the decade.

UniCredit's €35 Billion Bid for Commerzbank Approaches Deadline Under Intensifying European Scrutiny

The hostile takeover offer by Milan-based UniCredit for Germany's Commerzbank is nearing its expiration date, with regulators and political leaders closely watching a deal that could reshape the balance of power in European banking.

Italy Seeks Changes to €194 Billion Recovery Plan Ahead of European Union Funding Deadline

The government in Rome has requested technical revisions to its National Recovery and Resilience Plan, reallocating €2.1 billion to streamline infrastructure and digitalisation projects before the European Union's August 2026 implementat...

Italy Faces Rising Transport Strike Threats as Unions Warn Over Inflation and Wage Stagnation

Italian transport unions are preparing potential nationwide strike action, citing falling purchasing power and delays in wage negotiations as inflation continues to erode real incomes across the public sector.

Italian Steel Output Rises 2.1 Percent Despite Broader European Industrial Slowdown

Italy’s steel production increased by 2.1 percent in the first quarter, showing resilience in heavy manufacturing even as wider European industrial activity remains under pressure from weak external demand.

Italy Advances Digital Euro Preparations With European Central Bank for 2027 Pilot Launch

The Bank of Italy and the European Central Bank are working to finalize technical and regulatory frameworks for a digital euro pilot expected by 2027, aimed at strengthening Europe’s sovereign payments infrastructure.

Scuderia Ferrari Secures First Victory for Lewis Hamilton at Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona

Lewis Hamilton delivered his first win for Ferrari at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya after a strategic race execution, narrowing the championship gap as rival Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli retired unexpectedly.

Ferrari Expands €3.5 Billion Buyback Program After Record Revenue Performance

Ferrari has accelerated its multi-year share buyback program, purchasing additional shares on the Euronext Milan exchange as part of a €3.5 billion plan, underscoring confidence in sustained profitability following strong luxury market d...

Italy Seeks Early Exit From EU Excessive Deficit Procedure as Budget Deficit Nears 3 Percent Threshold

Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said Italy expects its 2025 deficit to fall to around 3 percent of GDP, a level that could allow Rome to exit European Union fiscal monitoring measures earlier than previously anticipated.

Italy Launches Joint Migration Coordination Center in Tripoli With Libya, Qatar, and Turkey

Italy has opened a multinational maritime coordination center in Tripoli alongside Libyan, Qatari, and Turkish officials to improve search and rescue operations and disrupt human trafficking routes across the central Mediterranean.

Stellantis Rules Out Maserati Sale and Confirms New Italian Manufacturing Partnerships in Parliament Hearing

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa told Italian lawmakers that the company is not considering selling Maserati or closing the Cassino plant, while confirming discussions on new industrial partnerships aimed at strengthening domestic automotiv...

Vatican Criticism of United States Military Action in Iran Intensifies Diplomatic Strain With Washington

Pope Leo XIV’s public condemnation of ongoing United States military operations in Iran has deepened tensions between the Holy See and Washington, with the remarks sharply dividing international political reactions and drawing criticism ...

Bank of Italy Lowers 2026 Growth Outlook to 0.5 Percent as Middle East Energy Shock Pushes Inflation Higher

The Bank of Italy has projected GDP growth of just 0.5 percent for 2026, warning that renewed Middle East tensions are driving energy costs higher and pushing inflation to 3.2 percent, with risks of broader price pressures across the eco...

Italian Government Cancels United States Diplomatic Visit Following Escalating Dispute With Donald Trump

The Italian government has cancelled a scheduled visit by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to Washington after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly rejected comments by United States President Donald Trump about their recent G7 interact...

Italian Fashion Industry Expands Use of Sustainable Materials in Global Supply Chains

Luxury and textile companies are introducing recycled and environmentally sustainable materials as they adapt to evolving European standards and changing consumer expectations.

Major Events Boost Tourism in Secondary Italian Cities Beyond Rome and Venice

International cultural and sporting events are attracting more visitors to smaller destinations, helping distribute tourism revenues more evenly across the country.

Italy Expands Long-Haul Air Connectivity to Support Tourism Growth

Airport operators and airlines are increasing flight frequencies to North America and the Middle East, improving access to key destinations across Italy.

Climate Resilience Projects Accelerate in Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany

Regional governments are increasing investment in flood protection and water management systems to strengthen long-term resilience in industrial and agricultural areas vulnerable to extreme weather.

Italy's Agrifood Exports Rise on Strong Demand for Protected Regional Products

Food and wine producers are reporting growing international demand for PDO and PGI products as consumers continue to seek authentic Italian regional specialties.

Italian Automotive Industry Steps Up Investment in Electric Vehicle Components

Manufacturers and battery technology partners are increasing research and production spending to align with Europe's transition toward electric mobility.

Italy Simplifies Administrative Procedures to Reduce Costs for Small Businesses

The government has introduced new measures intended to streamline regulatory compliance and improve operating conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Italian Universities Launch New Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence Research Hubs

Research institutions in Lombardy and Piedmont are expanding cooperation on advanced chip design and AI applications to support domestic industrial innovation.

Italian Aerospace and Defence Companies Secure New European Technology Partnerships

Domestic aerospace firms have formalized collaborative agreements that strengthen Italy's role in regional defence manufacturing and specialized industrial supply chains.