Internal Politics
Meloni in Parliament: Giorgia Meloni’s parliamentary day was marked by openings to dialogue and moments of firmness. In the Senate, the Prime Minister called for avoiding «polarisation» and «simplification», stating that «there is […] no Government complicit in others’ decisions or isolated in Europe». She reiterated that Italy «does not take part and does not intend to take part in the conflict» in the Middle East, while not openly condemning Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. On the domestic front, she opened the possibility of «a table with the opposition» and the hypothesis of a «tax on speculators». On foreign policy, she outlined three directions: diplomacy to reopen negotiations, protection of civilians, and military support to Gulf countries, reiterating at the G7 the need to avoid negative effects on economic growth.
Migrants: The confrontation between the government led by Giorgia Meloni and the judiciary over the return of migrants remains intense. The Rome Court of Appeal has indeed decided not to validate the transfer of some asylum seekers to the CPR in Gjader, Albania, raising doubts about the legitimacy of the legislation and referring the matter to the Court of Justice of the European Union. The Prime Minister expressed reservations about the judges’ decisions during her communications to the House of Representatives.
Foreign Policy
Crisis in the Middle East: Tensions in the Gulf have escalated after the Iranian navy opened fire on several vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, blocking ships and threatening that «not a single litre of oil» destined for the United States or Israel will pass, while Washington considers striking Iranian civilian ports deemed operational bases. US President Donald Trump maintains that the war could end soon, stating that «almost all of Iran has been destroyed» and that operations are «far ahead of the planned schedule». Tehran, however, responds by speaking of a possible war of attrition and has launched missiles against several US bases in the region. As part of the escalation, the Italian base in Erbil was also hit, with no casualties, as explained by Defence Minister Guido Crosetto.
Epstein Case: New documents regarding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington have reignited controversy surrounding British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is accused of supporting the choice despite the politician’s well-known links to Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson is now under investigation for misconduct in public office for having shared confidential information with the financier between 2009 and 2010. The case has already led to resignations within Downing Street staff and is fueling political pressure on the government.
Economy and Finance
Energy: To address tensions in energy markets, member countries of the International Energy Agency have unanimously decided to release up to 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves, an unprecedented move aimed at stabilising prices following the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East. Executive Director Fatih Birol explained that «oil markets are global, so the response to major disruptions must also be global», while warning that a return to normality will depend primarily on the resumption of flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s response was harsh: «Prepare to have oil at $200 per barrel».
Green Housing: The European Commission has launched infringement procedures against several member states, including Italy, for failing to submit national renovation plans by 31 December 2025 as required by the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Brussels has sent a letter of formal notice requesting the submission of the plans «without further delay». Member states now have two months to respond.