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] Stretching from Austria into northern Italy, the Brenner Base Tunnel will slice two-and-a-half hours off the Munich to Verona route and shift mountains of freight from clogged highways onto rails. Mind Yourself
• [New] Other countries like Switzerland and Norway have already completely turned off 2G, focusing on 4G/5G only, while Italy and Spain have switched off most 3G signals and are looking to 2028-2030 for 2G termination. Bez Kabli
• [New] For 2025, gross domestic product will rise by 0.5% and by 0.7% in 2026, the economy ministry announced in a press release following a cabinet meeting. / Italy NAMPA
• [New] The most recent forecasts by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development envisage Italian growth of 0.5% and 0.6% respectively in 2025. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Elsewhere in Europe, carriers in Czechia, Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy, Greece, and Hungary have already shut down large parts of their 3G networks, with most European nations targeting full 2G closures by 2030. ANews
• [New] CFS recently inked power purchase deals with Google and the Italian energy giant Eni for its first commercial fusion plant, ARC, slated to come online in the early 2030s just outside of Richmond, Virginia. Fortune
• [New] People travelling and commuting in Italy in October 2025 face disruption due to a series of strikes affecting air travel, trains and local public transport services. Wanted in Rome
• [New] Following the lead of a significant action in the US, a representative action is also underway in Italy relating to defective CPAP sleep and respiratory care devices, highlighting the risk of product-related actions. Informed Insurance
• [New] Positive spillover effects on Italy's economy could come from enhanced trade and collaborative opportunities. economic-research.bnpparibas.com
• [New] The increase in defence spending could weigh on Italy's public finances. economic-research.bnpparibas.com
• [New] Italy indicated it might curb telecom operators' use of Chinese gear. Bez Kabli
• Italian lawmakers say they will recognize a Palestinian state if Hamas releases Israeli hostages and is kept out of any eventual government. The New York Times
• The Brenner Base Tunnel will be the first-ever dedicated rail tunnel directly linking Austria and Italy. Travel And Tour World
• Implication: Stronger Spanish GDP or improved Italian confidence could boost Eurozone demand for Brazil's steel, soy, and autos, supporting Vale and ag exporters; Lagarde's remarks may signal ECB easing, easing global yields and aiding Brazil's export margins amid U.S. dollar strength. The Rio Times
• To protect holiday travel, strikes in Italy are banned from late July to early September - but now that window is over, unions have announced plans for industrial action which will affect air travel in September and October. Time Out
• Significant travel delays and cancellations will continue to affect Italy in the weeks ahead. Focus on Travel News - ftnnews.com
• The disruption to Italy's air transport network is part of a wider wave of industrial action scheduled for October. Focus on Travel News - ftnnews.com
• Pro-Palestine strikes by grassroots unions caused major disruption across Italy yesterday, with some protesters storming Milan's central train station and clashing violently with police. Just Security

Last updated: 10 October 2025