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] Government members from Germany and Italy have announced that their countries will forge closer ties in a bid to loosen EU climate policy regulations, including the phase-out of internal combustion engine cars. Clean Energy Wire
• [New] Italy's economy is expected to grow modestly, with GDP projections ranging from 0.4% to 0.8% in 2026, driven by domestic demand and NRRP investments. The Tribune
• [New] Others including Italy, Belgium, Finland and the UK have a target of 2035 for electrification, in line with the EU's incentive mechanism. Automotive Logistics
• [New] Italy has transposed and made operational the EU rules on the global minimum tax under Directive 2022/2523 at the end of 2023 and, with subsequent 2024 MEF decrees, has regulated QDMTT and Safe Harbours. ETL GLOBAL
• [New] Italy follows Spain and Greece unite to conquer the overtourism crisis that is threatening the very fabric of Europe. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Travelers arriving in or moving around Italy that day face a heightened risk of delays, cancellations and last-minute changes to transport connections. Focus on Travel News - ftnnews.com
• [New] The Italian carrier will transition from an in-house solution to flydocs under a five-year agreement. Aviation Week Network
• [New] Co-founder and CEO of Italian startup Foreverland, a move away from cocoa is gaining traction among international confectioners, so much so that it could become the norm to see fake chocolate used in more budget-friendly products. CNBC
• Even after UNIFIL, Italy will continue to do its part, supporting with conviction the international presence and supporting the capacity development of the Lebanese armed forces. Counter Extremism Project
• The tri-national Global Combat Air Platform programme, intended to deliver a next-generation fighter to the air forces of the UK, Italy, and Japan, is looking at a production order of 350 units by 2035. Naval Technology
• While Italy says it will spend 2% of GDP on defence by 2028, most analysts believe it will only be able to do so by relying on budgetary gimmicks. Washington Examiner
• Enel's AI grid modernization strategy is anchored in its core European markets, particularly Italy and Spain, while simultaneously targeting the United States for high-growth commercial opportunities. EnkiAI - Find the right insight
• Italy's national air carrier, ITA Airways, will be one of the airlines participating. SafeAbroad
• If improved growth prospects and the potential for future rate hikes are mentioned, a breakout in the Italian 10-year yield becomes increasingly plausible. investing.com
• Italy remains a top destination for international visitors, with around 52 to 64 million visitors expected in 2025. Travel And Tour World
• Charging network ambitions have been slashed heavily from a planned 650 stations across Europe by 2028 to just 100 sites in France and over 100 in Italy by late 2026. Automotive World
• ISTAT last week forecast that the Italian economy will grow by 0.5% in 2025, trimming a previous estimate of 0.6% made in June. 93.3 The Drive
• Rallies and demonstrations are expected in main Italian cities in connection with protests against the latest budget law, which may impact traffic conditions. Heavy Lift & Project Forwarding International
• A third group - Germany, Italy, Spain, China, South Korea, Austria, Taiwan, and Brazil - faces demographic tides so strong that even decent AI adoption will not prevent their growth trajectories from slipping further. American Enterprise Institute - AEI

Last updated: 02 January 2026