Rome Times

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...

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.

Italian AI Startups Attract Record Venture Capital for Industrial Technologies

Investment in Italian artificial intelligence companies reached record levels, with funding concentrated on machine learning, robotics and manufacturing technologies.

Rome Speeds Up Jubilee Infrastructure Projects Ahead of Expected Pilgrim Surge

The Italian capital is accelerating transport upgrades, public works and heritage restoration projects in preparation for the large numbers of visitors expected during the upcoming Jubilee year.

Webuild Accelerates Naples-Bari High-Speed Rail Construction

Webuild and its partners reported continued progress on the Naples-Bari high-speed railway, a major European Union-backed infrastructure project aimed at improving links between northern and southern Italy.

Southern Italy Faces Growing Threat to Olive Oil and Wine Harvests From Drought

Agricultural organisations warned that low reservoir levels and prolonged heat are threatening autumn harvests in Sicily, Calabria and Puglia, raising concerns about olive oil and wine production.

Veneto Declares State of Emergency Over Drought and Saltwater Intrusion

Regional authorities have declared an emergency after prolonged dry conditions depleted freshwater reserves and increased the risk of saltwater contaminating agricultural aquifers.

Bank of Italy Says High Interest Rates Continue to Weigh on Small Business Lending

The central bank said elevated borrowing costs are limiting credit demand and tightening lending conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises, slowing investment in automation and digitalisation.

Eni Expands North African Gas Investments to Reinforce Mediterranean Energy Links

Eni is increasing investment in North African production assets and pipeline infrastructure to strengthen Italy's role as a key natural gas gateway between Mediterranean suppliers and European markets.

Extreme Caronte Heatwave Strains Italy's Power Grid and Agriculture

Temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius across central and southern Italy have increased electricity demand, caused localised power outages and prompted emergency measures to protect crops.

Confindustria Calls for Faster Renewable Energy Approvals to Strengthen Industry

Italy's largest employers' association urged the government to accelerate approvals for thousands of delayed renewable energy projects, warning that high electricity costs are weakening the competitiveness of manufacturers.

Italy Endorses Strategic Infrastructure Financing Under the Mattei Plan for Africa

Italian public lenders and the Africa Finance Corporation have launched financing and investment guarantee mechanisms to support energy, transport and digital infrastructure projects across Africa under the Mattei Plan.

Stellantis Reports Stronger Vehicle Production in Italy During First Half of the Year

FIM Cisl said Stellantis built more than 252,000 vehicles in Italy during the first six months of the year, supported by rising production of the Jeep Compass and Fiat 500 Hybrid, although annual output is still expected to remain below ...

Italy Introduces Sweeping Labour Reform With Fair Pay and Worker Protection Measures

New labour legislation establishes fair pay standards, expands proximity collective bargaining, limits temporary agency assignments to 36 months and strengthens protections for digital platform workers.

Italy Advances Nuclear Energy Framework to Support Long-Term Industrial Power Supply

Parliament is debating legislation that would pave the way for the return of nuclear power, with the government focusing on small modular reactors to provide reliable low-carbon electricity for industry.

European Commission Approves €23 Billion Italian Renewable Energy Support Scheme

The European Commission has authorised a €23 billion Italian state aid programme to support the deployment of 37 gigawatts of new solar, wind and hydroelectric capacity through long-term contracts for difference over the next two decades.

Milan Coalition Divided Over City's Official Ties With Tel Aviv

Political divisions have emerged within Milan's governing coalition after some members called for suspending the city's twin-city relationship with Tel Aviv, placing Mayor Giuseppe Sala under growing political pressure.

Milan Mayor Honours Ski Champion Federica Brignone

Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala presented the Ambrogino d'Oro, the city's highest civic honour, to alpine skiing champion Federica Brignone in recognition of her sporting achievements ahead of the Winter Olympic Games.

Lewis Hamilton Tempers Expectations for Ferrari Ahead of British Grand Prix

Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton said the team's current package remains behind Mercedes despite his recent victory in Spain, urging caution ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Jannik Sinner Advances to Wimbledon Third Round

Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner progressed to the third round at Wimbledon with a straight-sets victory, extending a run that continues to attract large television audiences across Italy.

Thousands Celebrate Vespa's 80th Anniversary in Rome

More than 10,000 vintage Vespa scooters gathered in Rome to celebrate the iconic Piaggio brand's 80th anniversary, drawing enthusiasts from around the world and highlighting Italy's industrial design heritage.

Rome Welcomes Peak Summer Tourism Despite Record Heat

Rome is experiencing a strong summer tourism season as visitors crowd major attractions including the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums, with cultural events and seasonal retail sales helping sustain demand despite temperatures above 35 ...

US Military Begins Demilitarising Armoured Vehicles Stored in Italy

The United States Defense Logistics Agency has started dismantling nearly 90 mine-resistant armoured vehicles stored for more than a decade at Camp Leghorn in Tuscany as part of a cost-saving disposal programme.

Vatican Establishes Path for Traditionalist Priests to Return to Full Communion

The Vatican has introduced a formal process allowing priests and followers associated with the Society of Saint Pius X to return to full communion with the Catholic Church through a written appeal to Pope Francis and acceptance of the Se...

Ferrari Cavalcade Tour Showcases Luxury Tourism Along the Adriatic Coast

More than 100 Ferrari crews have begun the annual Ferrari Cavalcade from Venice, combining exclusive driving experiences with luxury tourism across the Adriatic region.

Gucci Expands High-Jewellery Business With New Luxury Collection

Gucci has launched a new high-jewellery collection featuring signature House designs and rare coloured gemstones as the Italian fashion brand continues to expand its presence in the global hard luxury market.

Venice.ai Reaches $1 Billion Valuation After New Funding Round

Venice-based artificial intelligence company Venice.ai raised $65 million in fresh funding, reaching a valuation of $1 billion with a privacy-focused platform built around open-source language models.