Domestic Policy
Railways: Two acts of sabotage on the high-speed rail line, north and south of Rome, have caused severe delays, with electrical cables set ablaze using rudimentary ignition devices. Counter-terrorism authorities fear an emulation effect linked to the anarchist boycott of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina. Prosecutors are investigating for sabotage and terrorism, assessing potential connections with other arson incidents. Deliberate damage is on the rise, and controls and surveillance across the railway network have been strengthened.
Interview with Orazio Schillaci: Health Minister Orazio Schillaci, in an interview published in La Repubblica, addressed the seriousness of the case involving the child from Nola, calling it “unacceptable” and emphasizing that “now we must determine whether there are responsibilities and whose they are.” Schillaci explained he had “ordered inspectors to be dispatched, as patient safety inspections are one of the ministry’s top priorities.” The minister recalled that, despite Italy being among the European countries with the highest number of transplants, “zero risk does not exist in any area of medicine.” He also noted that “the Italian transplant network remains an internationally recognized excellence.”
Foreign Policy
Interview with Giorgia Meloni: Before departing Addis Ababa to return to Rome, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni gave an interview to Corriere della Sera, first addressing the relationship between the United States and Europe. Meloni argues that “we must work toward greater integration between Europe and the U.S.” and agrees with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the importance of “working to highlight what unites us.” Regarding Merz’s comments on Trump’s MAGA culture, she stated: “These are political assessments, albeit legitimate. They are not matters of interest or competence for the European Union; such evaluations belong to political parties.” Finally, she explained that Italy will attend as an observer the Board for Peace for Palestine, scheduled for Thursday, 19 February in Washington.
Munich: During the Munich Conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered reassuring remarks on the U.S.-Europe alliance, underscoring the strength of relations despite tensions and criticisms, particularly concerning the Greenland crisis and military dependency. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other EU leaders welcomed Rubio’s comments, while others, such as French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, expressed greater skepticism. The conference highlighted the importance of renewing the transatlantic friendship and strengthening European defense, with discussions on nuclear issues and security, and a call for cohesion against threats from Russia and China.
Economy and Finance
Energy: The Energy Decree is causing concern in the energy market, affecting companies such as Enel, A2a, Edison, Iren, and Erg, and potentially jeopardizing Lombardy’s decision to transfer 15% of its hydroelectric production—at a capped price—to energy-intensive regional businesses. The government is preparing measures including extraordinary subsidies and bill discounts. Simultaneously, officials are considering intervention in the wholesale price formation mechanism, potentially reducing margins for companies operating low-cost plants, with repercussions on their profits.
Credit: In 2026, bank lending in Italy continues its recovery: in January, loans to households and businesses rose 1.9% year-on-year—the eleventh consecutive positive month, according to the Italian Banking Association. Deposits increased to €2139 billion (+3.4%), signaling confidence despite global uncertainty and following the European Central Bank’s tightening. Mortgages edged up slightly to 3.47%, but remain far from 2023 peaks. Net non-performing loans declined to €28.3 billion.