Domestic Policy
Infrastructure: The Court of Auditors has imposed a new halt on the Strait of Messina Bridge project, denying the legality certificate for the third supplementary agreement between the Ministry of Transport and the concessionary company, following the previous rejection of the Cipess resolution. Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini described the decision as a consequence of the first block and reiterated his intention to continue the process. The Stretto di Messina company is awaiting the formal reasoning behind the resolutions and has expressed no surprise. Meanwhile, a Board of Directors meeting has been scheduled for 25 November to assess developments.
Autonomy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has approved the signing of pre-agreements on differentiated autonomy for four non-LEP matters requested by Veneto, Lombardy, Piedmont, and Liguria, enabling Minister for Regional Affairs Calderoli to finalise the agreements with the regional governors. The move, of significant political value, strengthens the League ahead of the upcoming regional elections and provides Matteo Salvini with a tangible achievement to leverage in the electoral campaign.
Foreign Policy
Defence: The Supreme Defence Council, convened at the Quirinal Palace by Head of State Sergio Mattarella, reinforced Italy’s support for Ukraine, urging approval of the twelfth package of military aid, also backed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The final statement highlighted concerns over the conflict’s stagnation and Russia’s persistence, reaffirming the importance of the Euro-Atlantic line and Italy’s participation in EU and NATO initiatives. The Council also reviewed open dossiers on the Middle East, condemning violence in Gaza and reiterating the goal of a two-state solution. On security matters, attention was also focused on southern Lebanon, the Mediterranean, and hybrid threats.
Conflicts: Volodymyr Zelensky and Emmanuel Macron signed a declaration of intent at the Élysée Palace, paving the way for the supply of one hundred fighter jets and new air defence systems. The agreement, described as “historic,” is set to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities over the next decade. The deal forms part of a broader European effort to support Kyiv, while Brussels evaluates additional financial instruments, including the use of frozen Russian assets. Regarding the situation in the Middle East, the UN Security Council adopted the US resolution to implement the peace plan proposed by President Trump for Gaza. Despite significant operational uncertainties, the text represents an attempt to consolidate the ceasefire and initiate a stabilization phase in the Gaza Strip.
Economy and Finance
Economic Forecasts: The European Commission confirms that Italy is on track to exit the infringement procedure in 2026, thanks to a deficit expected to remain below 3% already in 2025. European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis stated that new estimates point to modest GDP growth (+0.4% in 2025), constrained by declining exports, while investments supported by the Recovery Plan remain the main engine of the economy. Inflation continues to cool, with Istat reporting a 1.2% annual rise in October and a decline in “shopping basket” prices. On the labour front, employment is expected to rise and unemployment to fall through 2027, despite still high public debt.
Tax Policies: At the inauguration of the Academic Year of the Economic-Financial Police School of the Guardia di Finanza, Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti emphasised the importance of proper management of public resources and the fight against tax evasion and corruption to strengthen trust in the economic system. Bankitalia Governor Fabio Panetta highlighted the still significant weight of the informal economy, equivalent to 10% of GDP, while acknowledging progress made in recent years through reforms and digitalisation.