Global Scans · Italy · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: The Italian economy is already in a fragile state and a now likely period of political uncertainty would be likely to do further damage. In particular, Italy's banking industry is seen as vulnerable to a loss of confidence. Italy could be the next domino to fall out of the EU through increasing populist party support.

• [New] The Italian Treasury has announced a package of fiscal measures for the period 2026-2028, at a total cost of EUR 18 billion, largely financed through spending controls and supported by a potential contribution from banks and insurance companies (with an estimated levy of EUR 4.5 billion). economic-research.bnpparibas.com
• [New] Italy is and will remain an attractive destination for foreign investment, with one of the largest markets in the EU, a diversified economy, and a skilled workforce. United States Department of State
• [New] Canada, Australia, Italy, and Ireland have issued a major travel alert for the United Kingdom this fall 2025, citing increased safety risks due to rising political tensions, terrorism threats, and potential travel disruptions from protests. Travel And Tour World
• [New] While incidents of violent crime are considered rare, the Italian government urges travelers to be extra cautious in crowded places like London's Oxford Street and public transport systems, where the risk of pickpocketing and other petty crimes is more common. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Brazil, with Japan, Italy, and India seeks a COP 30 pledge to quadruple sustainable fuels by 2035 (biofuels, biogas, green hydrogen, e-fuels). International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacture
• [New] A sovereign debt crisis, with a 20% probability, might arise from high debt levels and interest rates, constraining fiscal policies in France, Italy, the UK and the US. Allianz Trade Corporate
• [New] Italy-based impact fund Maia Ventures has launched its first fund at €55 million ($64 million) that will support early-stage food and ag ventures addressing health, resilience, and efficiency in the food system. AgFunderNews
• [New] In Italy home cultivation of cannabis (or marijuana) is being discussed after a petition with 500,000 signatures triggered a nationwide referendum set for early 2026. Forbes
• [New] GDP growth has been anemic, projected at just 0.6% for 2025, below the eurozone average. / Italy Energy News Beat
• [New] An artificial intelligence model has revealed never-before-seen geological structures at Italy's Campi Flegrei volcano, including a clear ring fault that could unleash magnitude 5 earthquakes. Live Science
• [New] Italy's economic growth is projected to remain modest, at 0.6% in 2025 and 0.8% in 2026, driven primarily by domestic demandUnderstanding Italy's New 2025 Budget and Its Implications. Ainvest
• [New] Italy fears repercussions of instability in terms of a further rise in the number of people crossing the Mediterranean and of new threats to its energy supply - basically the two main drivers of its approach to Libya over the past years. ISPI
• The national debt could climb to almost 138% of GDP, making Italy the eurozone's second-biggest debtor. The Traceability Hub
• Italy is pressing ahead with the Messina Strait Bridge, which, once built, will become the longest suspension bridge in the world. Economic Times
• Italy's Messina Strait Bridge will link Sicily to the mainland with the world's longest suspension span, while China's Huajiang Canyon Bridge will soar as the tallest by deck height. Economic Times
• In the future, footwear will embody both Italian aesthetics and technological performance. Voice of Alexandria
• We hope that 3D-printed shoes will not be seen merely as a novelty but as a genuine part of Italy's design context. Voice of Alexandria
• Left-wing members of Germany's ruling coalition were blindsided by a letter sent to the European Commission from their coalition partner and Italy, calling for an immediate change to legislation ending the sale of CO2-emitting cars from 2035. Politico
• October is shaping up to be one month particolarmente difficult for mobility in Italy, with at least 12 days of strike action planned in the sector transport, which will affect buses, subways, trains, and airlines. FIRSTonline
• There are more than 40 labour strikes planned this month across Italy's transportation sector, some of which could complicate travel plans for U.S. military personnel. Stars and Stripes

Last updated: 24 October 2025