Domestic Policy
Arms Decree: A new step regarding the extension of military aid to Ukraine has created some tension within the governing coalition, following the appearance and subsequent removal of the decree from the government’s agenda. The League, led by Matteo Salvini, reaffirms its veto, further fueled by recent corruption scandals in Kyiv, while Palazzo Chigi assures that this was not a political ambush. Internal disagreements persist, with Tajani and Crosetto supporting continued assistance and Salvini leaning toward curbing further shipments.
Atreju: Atreju opens on Saturday at Castel Sant’Angelo with an event combining politics, entertainment, and sports, dedicated to figures such as Rosario Livatino and Enzo Tortora. Politics will be represented through debates on justice, reforms, the Green Deal, and foreign policy, featuring participation from ministers, coalition leaders, and opposition figures including Renzi, Calenda, Bonelli, and Di Maio. International guests such as Abu Mazen, as well as prominent TV and sports personalities—including Mara Venier, Carlo Conti, Ezio Greggio, and Gigi Buffon—will also attend. The grand finale is scheduled for Sunday, 14th, with all centre-right leaders present and a closing speech by Giorgia Meloni.
Foreign Policy
Ukraine Conflict: Talks at the Kremlin between Vladimir Putin and envoys of Donald Trump ended without progress, stalled over territorial disputes which Moscow considers non-negotiable. Amid an already tense atmosphere, Putin warned that Russia is prepared for war should Europe decide to “initiate” hostilities. On the ground, Russian forces claim new advances, while Volodymyr Zelensky insists that peace is possible only without imposed concessions to Ukraine. Meanwhile, the European Commission seeks a solution to use frozen Russian assets in support of Ukraine, but the European Central Bank has refused to act as guarantor, blocking the 140-billion-euro plan.
EU: Federica Mogherini, former EU High Representative and current rector of the College of Europe, has been arrested in Belgium alongside Stefano Sannino as part of an investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office into alleged corruption and fraud. The probe concerns the 2022 awarding to the College of the project to establish the EU Diplomatic Academy, funded with €654,000, for which investigators suspect unlawful access to confidential information. According to reports, the College’s purchase of an expensive building shortly before the tender is also under scrutiny.
Economy and Finance
Economic Outlook: Italy closes 2025 with positive signals regarding its economy and employment, confirmed by the OECD and ISTAT data: the employment rate reaches 62.7%, and the deficit-to-GDP ratio declines to 2.9%. The international organisation highlights the consolidation of public finances and the effectiveness of austerity policies, while the labour market demonstrates dynamism, with growth in female and senior employment. The government highlights the success of reforms implemented in recent years and aims to further consolidate the employment rate. On the fiscal front, agreements with banks and insurers enable resource mobilisation without structural tax increases, ensuring financial stability.
Former Ilva: Protests by workers at the former Ilva plant, which began in Genoa and have now spread to Taranto, are intensifying with strikes, roadblocks, and internal plant occupations. Trade unions criticise meetings convened by Minister for Enterprises Urso as insufficient and demand a summit at Palazzo Chigi to withdraw the plan they consider tantamount to closure and decommissioning. Key demands include suspending the shutdown of blast furnaces, ensuring continued production, and implementing a maintenance plan for the facilities.