Rome Times

Italy Marks First Anniversary of Giorgio Armani’s Death

Fashion houses, cultural institutions and luxury-industry figures are commemorating the first anniversary of Giorgio Armani’s death and his influence on Milan’s international fashion and design profile.

New National Future Party Reaches 8% in Polls, Challenging Meloni From the Right

A new movement led by former general Roberto Vannacci has reached 8% support in national polling, adding competition on the right of Italy’s fragmented political landscape.

Major Hydrocarbon Spill Prompts Cleanup in Milan’s Navigli Canals

Environmental authorities and firefighters are investigating and containing a fuel spill in Milan’s historic waterways after damage was reported to aquatic ecosystems and wildlife.

Italian Coastal Regions Seek Emergency Funding as Storms Worsen Erosion

Authorities in Liguria and Tuscany are calling for national support for coastal defences and drainage infrastructure after violent autumn storms exposed growing erosion and infrastructure risks.

Italian Maize Imports From Argentina More Than Double as Drought Cuts Domestic Output

Agribusinesses have increased maize imports from Argentina by over 100% after repeated drought and extreme heat reduced production across the Po Valley.

Italy and India Target €20 Billion in Bilateral Trade by 2029

Rome and New Delhi are expanding cooperation in defence, aerospace, manufacturing and technology under their Special Strategic Partnership, with both sides aiming for €20 billion in trade.

Brothers of Italy Proposes Electoral Reform With Majority Bonus Above 42%

The governing coalition is seeking changes that would award a parliamentary majority bonus to any political bloc winning more than 42% of the national vote.

Italy Reports Unemployment Below 6% After Adding More Than 1.2 Million Workers

Government data show employment has risen by more than 1.2 million people during the Meloni administration, pushing the national unemployment rate below 6%.

Italy Nominates Raffaele Fitto for Executive Vice President Role in European Commission

Rome put forward European Affairs Minister Raffaele Fitto for a senior Commission portfolio as Italy seeks greater influence over EU economic policy, industrial competitiveness and recovery funding.

Meloni Government Becomes Italy’s Longest-Serving Since World War II

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has completed 1,413 consecutive days in office, surpassing Silvio Berlusconi’s previous record for the longest-lasting government of the Italian Republic.

Italian Government Plans Flat-Tax Changes and Wage Incentives in Next Budget

Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said the upcoming fiscal package will prioritize adjustments to the flat-tax system and incentives for companies to raise wages while maintaining budget discipline.

Italy’s Rail Network Hit by Nationwide 24-Hour Strike

Trade unions launched a 24-hour stoppage across national and regional rail services, causing widespread cancellations and delays as workers demand better conditions and greater investment in transport safety.

Italy Seeks €8 Billion in EU Support for Industrial and Clean-Energy Investment

The Italian government submitted a formal request to the European Commission for €8 billion under the SAFE framework to support industrial competitiveness and clean-energy technologies.

Stellantis Holds Talks With Huawei and JAC Group on Maserati Partnership

The automaker is in advanced discussions with the Chinese technology and automotive companies over a potential industrial alliance for Maserati after the luxury brand’s deliveries fell 30% and losses increased at its Modena operations.

Stellantis Reports 37% Drop in Italian Vehicle Production

Stellantis said domestic vehicle output has fallen 37%, with production at Turin’s Mirafiori plant down 70% amid weak European electric-vehicle demand and intensifying competition from Chinese manufacturers.

Bank of Italy Sees Inflation Averaging 3.1% as Energy Costs Rise

The Bank of Italy expects consumer inflation to average 3.1% for the year as Middle East tensions and higher energy prices increase costs for households and businesses.

OECD Forecasts Italian Economy to Grow Just 0.4% in 2026

The OECD expects Italy’s GDP to expand by only 0.4% this year, citing weak household consumption and subdued industrial investment.

Italy Records Hottest Summer Since 1950 as Drought Pressures Intensify

National Research Council data show the summer of 2026 was Italy’s hottest on record, with average August temperatures more than 3 degrees Celsius above historical norms and water shortages worsening across several regions.

Northern Italy Issues Orange Alerts as Severe Storms Raise Flash-Flood Risk

Civil protection authorities issued orange warnings across Lombardy, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna as thunderstorms threaten up to 200 millimetres of rain, transport disruption, landslides and agricultural damage.

Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi Receives Premio Leonardo for Industrial Leadership

Eni Chief Executive Claudio Descalzi received the Premio Leonardo from Italy’s president and business leaders in recognition of his role in strengthening the company’s international industrial and energy operations.

Nadia Battocletti Wins 5,000 and 10,000 Metres at European Athletics Championships

Italian runner Nadia Battocletti completed a championship double by winning the 10,000 metres after taking gold in the 5,000 metres, delivering a major result for Italy in European athletics.

Venice Film Festival Concludes After Boosting International Attention and Regional Hospitality

The Venice International Film Festival ended its latest edition after drawing extensive international media coverage and supporting premium hospitality activity across the Veneto region.

Rome Unveils Previously Unknown Mosaic Linked to Emperor Nero

Italian cultural officials revealed a well-preserved mosaic associated with Emperor Nero’s private residence, adding a new archaeological attraction to Rome’s international cultural tourism offering.

Doctors Without Borders Vessel Rescues 24 Migrants in Central Mediterranean

A rescue ship operated by Doctors Without Borders recovered 24 migrants in distress in the central Mediterranean, highlighting continued humanitarian and border-management pressures along Italy’s southern maritime frontier.

Milan Prosecutors Investigate Death of Two-Year-Old Girl at Buzzi Pediatric Hospital

Prosecutors in Milan have opened an investigation into the death of a two-year-old girl following an emergency transfer to Buzzi hospital, drawing scrutiny of regional pediatric care and safety procedures.

Marmolada Glacier Loses Nine Hectares of Ice in One Year

Environmental group Legambiente said the Marmolada glacier lost nine hectares of ice over the past year, prompting renewed calls for climate adaptation measures in vulnerable Alpine communities.

Salvini Meets Northern League Governors Ahead of Pontida Party Gathering

League leader Matteo Salvini convened northern regional governors to strengthen internal unity ahead of the party’s annual Pontida gathering as he seeks to reinforce his leadership amid shifting national polling.

Meloni Rules Out Future Alliance With Roberto Vannacci Amid Electoral Law Debate

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she would not form a future political alliance with conservative figure Roberto Vannacci as parliament debates changes to the run-off system used in municipal elections.

Italy’s Telecoms, Energy and Defence Groups Accelerate Generative AI Adoption

Major Italian companies are expanding the use of generative artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and cybersecurity while aligning with European Union objectives for greater digital autonomy.

Leonardo Strengthens Land Defence Business After Integrating Iveco Military Division

Leonardo is reporting strong orders and financial performance following its acquisition of Iveco Group’s defence vehicle division, reinforcing Italian supply chains for European ground combat systems.

Mount Etna Disruption Leaves Catania Airport and Tourism Sector Facing Major Fallout

Authorities are dealing with the aftermath of severe Mount Etna activity that forced a prolonged closure of Catania airport and disrupted travel for more than 500,000 domestic and international passengers during the peak holiday period.

Italy Reports 6% Rise in Foreign Summer Arrivals as Tourism Demand Sets Records

Foreign tourist arrivals rose 6% in July and August, with Italy recording strong accommodation occupancy despite severe heatwaves across several regions.

Italian Bank Shares Fall Amid Speculation Over New Taxes on Profits

Shares in lenders including Intesa Sanpaolo and Banco BPM came under pressure as investors reacted to speculation that the government could impose targeted banking taxes to help finance the next national budget.

Stellantis Plans 10-Brand Turin Auto Show Display With Four Major Vehicle Debuts

Stellantis will showcase 10 brands at the Salone Auto Torino and stage major vehicle debuts including the Fiat Grizzly, Grizzly Fastback and Lancia Gamma as it highlights its Italian manufacturing presence amid intensifying electric-vehi...

Italian Air Force Orders Two Additional MQ-9A Reaper Drones

Italy’s Defence Ministry confirmed the purchase of two MQ-9A Block 5 Reaper drones to strengthen intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities across the Mediterranean and North Africa.

Rome Prosecutors Seek Extradition of Suspect in Bombing Attempt Against Journalist Sigfrido Ranucci

Italian prosecutors have requested the extradition from Cameroon of a suspect allegedly linked to an attempted bombing targeting investigative television journalist Sigfrido Ranucci.

Italy Declines to Join Allied Sanctions on Extremist Israeli Settlers

Italy has refrained from joining the United Kingdom and 11 other countries in imposing targeted sanctions on extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank, reflecting Rome’s cautious diplomatic stance on the conflict.

Italian Bond Demand Strengthens as Investors Show Greater Confidence in Sovereign Debt

International demand for Italian BTP government bonds has increased, narrowing borrowing premiums as investors show confidence in Italy’s macroeconomic stability despite looming fiscal consolidation requirements.

Italy and Greece Agree Transfer of Two FREMM Frigates to Hellenic Navy

Italy finalized an agreement to transfer two advanced FREMM frigates to Greece, deepening Mediterranean defence cooperation and expanding the export portfolio of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri.

Enel Agrees to Hire 3,000 Workers for €53 Billion Grid and Renewable Investment Plan

Enel reached an agreement with trade unions to recruit 3,000 technicians and engineers as it advances a €53 billion investment programme focused on renewable generation and digital grid resilience from 2026 to 2028.

Italy Records Hottest Summer Since 1950 as Drought Damages Agriculture

Italy’s National Research Council said the summer of 2026 was the hottest in more than 75 years, with an average temperature of 24.3 degrees Celsius contributing to severe drought and crop damage across northern and central farming regions.

Italy’s Coalition Splits Over Bank Taxes and Youth Tax Breaks Ahead of Budget

Tensions within Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s coalition have intensified as the League pushes a 5% flat tax for workers under 30 while Forza Italia opposes extraordinary taxes on banks and seeks healthcare deductions.