Domestic Policy
Farnesina: The reform of the Farnesina, presented in the project “La nuova Farnesina” and outlined by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, restructures the ministry around two pillars: a political one, focused on strengthening diplomatic action and security, including a new directorate for cyber issues; and an economic one, designed to transform the foreign network into a growth engine through a Directorate for Export Promotion. The plan aims to make embassies and consulates active tools for export, investment attraction, and promotion of “Made in Italy,” closely coordinating actors within the national system.
Centre-Left: The Democratic Party is divided over the bill introduced by Graziano Delrio against antisemitism, opposed by the party’s more pro-Palestinian wing. Senate group leader Francesco Boccia clarified that the text was submitted personally and does not represent the party’s official stance. The bill references the definition of antisemitism adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, previously endorsed by Italian and European institutions.
Foreign Policy
Ukraine Conflict: The suspension of certain U.S. sanctions against Lukoil signals a renewed shift by Trump toward positions more favourable to Moscow, while his envoys report to Kyiv the impasse encountered at the Kremlin. The move fuels fears, raised by Macron in talks with European leaders, of a potential weakening of American support for Ukraine, although the Élysée denies any reference to “betrayal.” Meanwhile, Macron, visiting China, urged Xi Jinping to play a more active role in halting the war, receiving only vague openness to dialogue.
EU: Federica Mogherini has resigned as Rector of the College of Europe and Director of the EU Diplomatic Academy after being questioned for ten hours by Belgian authorities. She, Ambassador Stefano Sannino, and manager Cesare Zegretti are under investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office for alleged fraud in public procurement, corruption, and conflict of interest related to the 2021 award of a training programme for young EU diplomats. Sannino has also resigned from his position at the Commission.
Economy and Finance
Construction: The Council of Ministers has approved the delegation bill for reforming the construction sector, aiming to simplify procedures, digitise processes, and reorganise building permits, including a simplified amnesty for violations predating 1967. The government will have one year to issue implementing decrees, with Matteo Salvini and Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati describing the intervention as long-awaited and necessary to streamline the sector. Industry associations welcome the reform, viewing it as an important step toward a more coherent and systematic regulatory framework.
Ex-Ilva: A general strike by workers at the former Ilva plant in Genoa escalated into clashes, with police using tear gas to prevent the demonstration from reaching the Prefecture, prompting protesters to occupy Brignole station. The tension has sparked a political dispute over public order management, while unions denounce the lack of dialogue with the government. Minister for Enterprises Urso reaffirms the “short-cycle” plan and insists there will be no job losses, leaving open the possibility of a public-private partnership.