Domestic Policy
Press and Politics: Journalist Sigfrido Ranucci has alleged political pressure on the Data Protection Authority following a €150,000 fine imposed on Rai for a December edition of Report. The Authority has rejected the accusations, asserting its independence and the legitimacy of the decision, which was based on violations of privacy regulations. Ranucci speaks of a smear campaign against press freedom, while the Democratic Party has called for transparency and the withdrawal of legal complaints. The government has expressed solidarity but also criticized the journalistic approach.
Foreign Policy
EU Council: The European Council has approved a roadmap for common defence armament by 2030 and new forms of flexibility in the climate transition. During the summit, the leaders of the 27 member states approved a new package of sanctions against Russia, including a ban on liquefied gas imports by 2026. Divisions remain over the use of frozen Russian assets, with Belgium maintaining reservations. Meanwhile, refineries in China and India, major importers of Russian crude oil, have begun halting purchases from Moscow. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni maintained caution regarding the confiscation of Russian assets and joint arms purchases for Kyiv, following a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky in which she discussed Ukraine’s requests. Meloni, however, assured the Ukrainian president of Italian support to protect Ukraine’s energy system during the winter.
Israel: The US administration has expressed frustration over Israeli legislative proposals to extend sovereignty over the West Bank, which are seen as an obstacle to the peace plan. Vice President Vance and President Trump have ruled out any annexation, reaffirming their commitment to Arab countries. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also described the initiative as a threat to stability. Meanwhile, Washington is working on a ceasefire in Gaza and the future international force tasked with disarming Hamas.
Economy and Finance
Budget: Political debate over the economic budget is intensifying, involving even the technical leadership of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Vice Prime Minister Antonio Tajani expressed reservations about certain measures proposed by the ministry, urging greater fiscal balance and calling for the withdrawal of the rule on the flat tax (cedolare secca). Matteo Salvini also raised doubts about the measure and clarified that there are no cuts to metro funding. Meanwhile, municipalities and Confindustria are reporting financial difficulties, while the budget begins its legislative process in the Senate.
Green Deal: At the European Council in Brussels, EU leaders agreed on the need to revise the Green Deal targets, which are considered too burdensome for industry and social sustainability. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni played a central role, calling for urgent interventions in the automotive sector and energy-intensive industries, as well as a reduction in electricity costs. Italy and Germany are leading the push for greater flexibility and mid-term reviews before 2040. The final document removed the reference to a 90% emissions reduction, replaced by a call for a realistic review of targets.
Aerospace: Airbus, Leonardo and Thales have signed a memorandum of understanding for the Bromo project, aimed at creating a European joint venture in satellite and space services, with investments of €10 billion. The agreement seeks to strengthen European autonomy in telecommunications, navigation, scientific research and security, generating synergies and an estimated revenue of €6.5 billion. The new hub, based in Toulouse with equal shares among the three companies, will become operational in 2027, subject to approval by the European Commission.