Rome Times

Miliband Sets Climate and International Law at Centre of UK Diplomacy

Britain’s new foreign secretary promises continuity on Ukraine and the American alliance while signalling greater emphasis on climate action, development and legal restraint.

Italy Expands Research Funding for Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technologies

The Ministry of University and Research announced new multi-million-euro grants for universities and public laboratories to advance research in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and advanced materials.

Stellantis Reaffirms Commitment to Italian Manufacturing

Stellantis continued discussions with unions and government officials on production plans for plants including Mirafiori and Melfi as the company adapts to electric vehicle production while seeking long-term employment stability.

Ferrovie dello Stato Speeds Up High-Speed Rail Upgrades

Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane advanced engineering work on high-speed rail links connecting Milan, Bologna, Florence, Rome and Naples to improve network reliability and expand passenger capacity.

Italian Antitrust Authority Opens Investigation Into Digital Marketplace Pricing

Italy's competition regulator launched formal investigations into digital marketplace practices, focusing on algorithmic pricing transparency and compliance with consumer protection rules.

Venice Reviews Tourist Access Fee After Initial Rollout

Venice officials continued evaluating the city's experimental visitor access charge as part of wider efforts to manage tourism while protecting the lagoon environment and improving conditions for residents.

Campania Strengthens Wildfire Prevention Measures

Civil protection authorities in Campania deployed aerial surveillance, drones and ground patrols to reduce wildfire risks around Mount Vesuvius, Irpinia and other areas vulnerable to extreme summer conditions.

Rome Accelerates Infrastructure Projects Ahead of Jubilee Events

Authorities in Rome stepped up transport upgrades, public works and restoration projects to prepare the city for the arrival of millions of pilgrims and tourists during upcoming Jubilee celebrations.

Italian Luxury Brands Continue Global Expansion

Luxury fashion and design groups based in Milan reported resilient international demand, supported by exclusive collections, private client strategies and continued strength in global retail markets.

Italy Reports Stable Inflation as Core Price Pressures Remain Contained

The National Institute of Statistics said consumer prices remain relatively stable compared with previous inflation peaks, although service-sector inflation continues to exert pressure on household budgets.

Italian Space Agency Advances Satellite and Earth Observation Projects

The Italian Space Agency, together with Thales Alenia Space and Leonardo, is progressing next-generation Earth observation and satellite telecommunications programs to strengthen environmental monitoring and national security capabilities.

Coldiretti Warns Drought Is Threatening Southern Italian Agriculture

Agricultural association Coldiretti said prolonged drought and extreme summer temperatures are placing growing pressure on crop production in Sicily, Puglia and Calabria, renewing calls for expanded irrigation infrastructure and governme...

Terna Advances Grid Expansion to Support Renewable Energy Growth

National grid operator Terna continued work on high-voltage transmission projects aimed at strengthening the electricity network and enabling greater integration of solar and wind generation across Italy.

Italy's Tourism Industry Records Strong Peak Summer Demand

Hotels, tourism operators and transport providers reported near-capacity bookings across destinations including Rome, Venice, Florence, the Amalfi Coast and Sardinia, underlining the sector's importance to the national economy.

Italian Industry Shows Resilience Despite Weaker European Demand

Confindustria and export associations said mechanical engineering, automotive components and other manufacturing industries continue to perform relatively well even as demand softens in several key northern European markets.

Bank of Italy Reports Strong Capital Buffers and Steady Credit Conditions

The Bank of Italy said the country's banking sector continues to maintain solid capital positions and stable asset quality, helping support corporate lending despite broader economic headwinds across the eurozone.

Italy Maintains Consular Readiness Amid Middle East Security Tensions

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strengthened diplomatic monitoring and consular support across the Mediterranean and Middle East to assist Italian citizens living in or traveling through areas affected by heightened regional tensions.

Ground-Handling Strike Disrupts Operations at Milan Malpensa Airport

Passengers at Milan Malpensa Airport faced long check-in delays and baggage disruption after a 24-hour strike by ground-handling workers employed by ALHA and MLE-BCUBE affected aircraft turnaround operations at Italy's busiest internatio...

Extreme Heatwave Triggers Red Health Alerts Across Major Italian Cities

Italy's Ministry of Health issued its highest-level heat warnings for Rome, Milan, Florence and several other cities as temperatures approached 40 degrees Celsius, prompting emergency measures to protect elderly residents and other vulne...

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Calls for Full Inquiry Into Bologna Custody Death While Condemning Violent Protests

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the death of 42-year-old Moroccan-born Abderrahim Fakir while condemning the unrest that followed in Bologna, where clashes injured 56 law enforcement off...

EU Imposes Record €550 Million Digital Services Fine on AliExpress

Regulators found that the Alibaba-owned marketplace failed to control systemic risks from illegal, counterfeit and unsafe goods, while AliExpress called the penalty disproportionate and prepared an appeal.

Italian Health Authorities Reinforce Heatwave Safety Guidance

Regional health agencies have expanded public information campaigns advising elderly people, children and outdoor workers on how to reduce health risks as extreme heat continues across much of the country.

Major Italian Museums Launch New Restoration Partnerships

Museums and local authorities in Florence, Venice and Rome unveiled new public-private restoration projects aimed at preserving historic landmarks and improving visitor management ahead of the autumn tourism season.

Italian Universities Expand International Research Partnerships

Universities across Italy have launched new collaborations with overseas academic institutions to advance research in sustainable engineering, industrial automation and Mediterranean environmental science.

Lombardy and Veneto Expand Funding for Heritage and Community Programs

Regional governments in Lombardy and Veneto announced new funding to preserve cultural heritage, support local economic development and strengthen initiatives serving regional communities abroad.

Verona's Arena Opera Festival Enters Peak Season

The Arena di Verona has entered the busiest period of its summer opera festival, attracting international cultural visitors and reinforcing Italy's reputation as a leading destination for heritage tourism and performing arts.

Italy's Digital Infrastructure and AI Sectors Draw Fresh Private Investment

Technology parks and digital infrastructure operators are attracting increased investor interest after new regulatory reforms streamlined approval procedures for data centre construction and expansion.

Italian Defense Companies Report Strong International Order Books

Italy's leading aerospace and defense manufacturers continue to secure international contracts and expand partnerships across Europe, reinforcing the country's position in advanced defense and aerospace technologies.

Italian Auto Industry Continues Shift Toward Electric Vehicles

Manufacturers and suppliers across Turin and Lombardy are adjusting production strategies as they balance traditional combustion-engine manufacturing with electric vehicle investment and evolving international trade conditions.

High-Speed Rail Modernisation Advances Across Italy

Rail operators are accelerating upgrades on major high-speed corridors linking northern industrial regions with central and southern Italy to improve passenger services and freight transport efficiency.

Italian Agriculture Steps Up Emergency Water Management During Prolonged Drought

Farmers and agricultural cooperatives in Puglia, Sicily and Calabria have introduced emergency irrigation measures to reduce crop losses as prolonged drought and limited rainfall continue to strain water resources.

Italian Coastal Destinations Face Peak Tourism as Beach Concession Debate Continues

Municipal authorities managed heavy summer visitor numbers across Italy's coastline while political leaders, business groups and civil society continued to debate public beach access and the future of seaside concession rules.

Luxury Tourism Continues to Drive Strong Spending in Italy's Fashion Capitals

Luxury brands, retailers and hospitality businesses in Milan, Rome and Florence reported strong summer sales supported by sustained demand from international visitors, underlining the global appeal of Italy's high-end fashion and tourism...

Italian Financial Markets End the Week Cautiously as Oil Prices Rise

Investors traded cautiously on the Milan market as Brent crude climbed above eighty-eight dollars a barrel and attention turned to upcoming European Central Bank policy decisions.

Preparations Accelerate for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games

Authorities in Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Bormio and Livigno are stepping up transport, venue and hospitality projects ahead of the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, with investments expected to strengthen tourism and regional infrastr...

Eni Warns Geopolitical Tensions Are Reshaping Global Energy Supply Chains

Italian energy company Eni said growing geopolitical conflicts and pressure on key maritime trade routes are increasing risks to global hydrocarbon supplies, reinforcing the need for diversified gas sourcing and faster domestic energy tr...

ISTAT Reports Core Inflation at 3% as Italy's Labour Market Remains Resilient

Italy's national statistics bureau ISTAT said core inflation has reached 3% while unemployment remains near historic lows at 5.7%, highlighting continued labour market strength despite pressure on household purchasing power from higher c...

Frontex and Italian Coast Guard Complete Successful Trial of Large Maritime Surveillance Drones

Frontex and the Italian Coast Guard concluded a nineteen-day operational test of large vertical takeoff and landing drones from the patrol vessel *Dattilo*, improving maritime surveillance as well as search and rescue coordination in the...

Italy Overhauls Electricity Market Rules Through New Energy Decree

A new government decree has begun reshaping Italy's electricity market by simplifying grid connection procedures, reforming market rules and lowering general system charges for non-domestic electricity users.

Violent Protests Break Out in Bologna After Man Dies During Police Restraint

Clashes erupted in Bologna after forty-two-year-old Moroccan national Abderrahim Fakir died while being restrained by police, triggering a nationwide political debate over policing practices, security legislation and civil rights.