Global Scans · Italy · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: The Italian economy is already in a fragile state and a now likely period of political uncertainty would be likely to do further damage. In particular, Italy's banking industry is seen as vulnerable to a loss of confidence. Italy could be the next domino to fall out of the EU through increasing populist party support.

• [New] Italy's GDP growth will be 0.8% y/y, and Spain's will be 2% y/y. GMK.CENTER
• [New] In Italy, in October 2026, a ban on the entry of Euro 5 Diesel vehicles in four northern regions - Piedmont, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto will come into force, a year late. trans.INFO
• [New] The Italian government's Macse auction scheme has locked in multi-GW storage capacity for pre-2030 delivery, directly converting policy intent into supply chain demand. Discovery Alert
• [New] By the end of the month, the first Italian trainers could be deployed, while from January 50-100 Italian personnel are expected to be sent to Jordan to train Palestinian police forces, with the option of a later expansion. Decode39
• [New] S. government of Daniel Noboa will continue to struggle with controlling narcoterrorism, fueled by expanding drug flows out of a neighboring Colombia, powerful but fragmented local gangs, and external criminal financiers and coordinators from Mexico's Sinaloa and CJNG cartels to Italy's Ndrangheta. IndraStra Global
• [New] Ryanair will operate hundreds of flights to Pescara, making it easier than ever to enjoy Italy's Adriatic coastline. Travel And Tour World
• [New] The Italian government has implemented enhanced security measures in public spaces, with the threat of terrorist attacks continuing to be a real risk. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Any additional duties on the Italian pasta makers will come on top of the 15% tariff that Trump has placed on most goods imported from the EU into the US. The Guardian
• [New] Long-duration electricity storage is gaining traction, supported by mechanisms such as the UK's cap-and-floor regime and Italy's MACSE auctions, which de-risk debt and enhance financing. Financier Worldwide
• [New] Italian consumption of machine tools, robots, and automation is forecast to grow by 5.9% to 4,730 million euros, with imports rising 6.8% to 1,875 million euros. Machinery Market
• [New] Among last-minute changes, Italy will introduce a levy of 2 euros on parcels valued at up to 150 euros sent from non-EU countries, targeting online platforms such as Shein and Temu to protect its fashion industry from low-cost foreign imports mostly from China. 93-5 The Lloyd | Real Country | Evansville, IN
• [New] The construction work on additional 160 MW solar (51% owned in partnership with Clal) has begun and construction is progressing as planned and is expected to finish by the end of 2026. / Italy GlobeNewswire
• [New] Saudi Arabian Railways is collaborating with Italy's Arsenale Group - creator of luxury trains such as the Orient Express La Dolce Vita - on the $53 million project, which it says will redefine luxury travel with an array of amenities and personalized services. CNN
• [New] Trenitalia's newest Frecciarossa trains - already running successfully in Spain and France - are intended for international routes from Italy to Austria and Germany and could also compete with InterCity Express services on German domestic routes. CNN
• [New] The Linosa floating offshore wind project will be developed by Acciona Energiain in the Strait of Sicilia, Italy with a capacity of 1.02 GW. Market Research Company - Blackridge Research & Consult
• [New] With Italy entering 2026 with one of the highest levels of public debt in the Eurozone, around 137% of GDP, along with high interest rates and a government divided over ongoing support to Ukraine, Meloni's remarks were far more somber. New York Post
• [New] 2026 will see decisions in cases against Shell, TotalEnergies and Swiss cement giant Holcim, while big developments are expected in cases against Austria, Belgium, France, Italy and New Zealand. Eco-business
• Government members from Germany and Italy have announced that their countries will forge closer ties in a bid to loosen EU climate policy regulations, including the phase-out of internal combustion engine cars. Clean Energy Wire
• Italy's economy is expected to grow modestly, with GDP projections ranging from 0.4% to 0.8% in 2026, driven by domestic demand and NRRP investments. The Tribune
• Others including Italy, Belgium, Finland and the UK have a target of 2035 for electrification, in line with the EU's incentive mechanism. Automotive Logistics
• Italy has transposed and made operational the EU rules on the global minimum tax under Directive 2022/2523 at the end of 2023 and, with subsequent 2024 MEF decrees, has regulated QDMTT and Safe Harbours. ETL GLOBAL

Last updated: 09 January 2026