Domestic Policy
Education: The Minister of University, Anna Maria Bernini, met with the National Council of University Students, proposing adjustments to the new medical school admission system, including a review of curricula, lesson schedules, and examination sessions, while ruling out a return to entrance exams. Outside the meeting, student protests took place against the “filter semester,” deemed ineffective and punitive, while opposition parties called for broader parliamentary reform. Bernini reiterated that the model is improvable and that final assessments will be made at the end of the semester.
European Parliament: The European Parliament has revoked immunity for Alessandra Moretti, allowing Belgian prosecutors to continue investigations into the Qatargate scandal, while rejecting the request against Elisabetta Gualmini. The decision confirms the opinion issued by the Legal Affairs Committee and paves the way for Moretti’s hearing. She denies the charges and alleges political motivations behind the vote. Several members of the Democratic Party have expressed support for the MEP, also criticizing the investigation’s procedures. The inquiry concerns a suspected corruption network uncovered in 2022 aimed at influencing decisions within the European Parliament.
Foreign Policy
Ukraine Conflict: The Kremlin maintains a firm stance on the Ukraine conflict: it awaits U.S. proposals but rejects ceasefires, NATO presence in Ukraine, and any concessions on annexed territories, reiterating that it seeks only an agreement ensuring its strategic objectives. Moscow blames Europeans for a possible failure in negotiations, which it considers fragile and far from a short-term peace. Meanwhile, complex political negotiations continue in Europe over support for Kyiv and the use of frozen Russian assets. Italy supports Ukraine but insists on legally sound, conditional, and sustainable solutions, avoiding rushed decisions.
Trump: Donald Trump has sued the BBC in a federal court in Miami, seeking $10 billion in damages for defamation and violation of Florida’s consumer protection laws, claiming the broadcaster manipulated a speech he gave on January 6, 2020, to discredit him ahead of the 2024 presidential elections. The BBC has stated it will defend the case, while the UK Labour government reiterated that there is no evidence to support the allegations.
Economy and Finance
Budget Measures: The economic plan makes significant interventions in pensions and public finances, gradually extending the windows for early retirement and reducing the buyout of university degrees. It also strengthens automatic enrolment in supplementary pension schemes and expands the obligation to contribute the Tfr (end-of-service indemnity) to INPS. On the business front, additional funds are allocated to Transizione 5.0, Zes Unica, construction, and infrastructure, with funding distributed over several years and a realignment of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).
Automotive: The European Commission has proposed a revision of the car emissions regulation, setting a 90% reduction target by 2035, allowing limited use of internal combustion and hybrid engines powered by low-emission fuels. Brussels also aims to promote the spread of small electric vehicles produced in Europe through incentives and simplifications. The goal is to balance decarbonisation with industrial competitiveness, particularly in response to pressure from Chinese manufacturers.