Global Scans · Italy · Weekly Summary

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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] The national debt could climb to almost 138% of GDP, making Italy the eurozone's second-biggest debtor. The Traceability Hub
• [New] Italy is pressing ahead with the Messina Strait Bridge, which, once built, will become the longest suspension bridge in the world. Economic Times
• [New] Italy's Messina Strait Bridge will link Sicily to the mainland with the world's longest suspension span, while China's Huajiang Canyon Bridge will soar as the tallest by deck height. Economic Times
• [New] In the future, footwear will embody both Italian aesthetics and technological performance. Voice of Alexandria
• [New] We hope that 3D-printed shoes will not be seen merely as a novelty but as a genuine part of Italy's design context. Voice of Alexandria
• [New] Left-wing members of Germany's ruling coalition were blindsided by a letter sent to the European Commission from their coalition partner and Italy, calling for an immediate change to legislation ending the sale of CO2-emitting cars from 2035. Politico
• [New] October is shaping up to be one month particolarmente difficult for mobility in Italy, with at least 12 days of strike action planned in the sector transport, which will affect buses, subways, trains, and airlines. FIRSTonline
• [New] There are more than 40 labour strikes planned this month across Italy's transportation sector, some of which could complicate travel plans for U.S. military personnel. Stars and Stripes
• [New] German data has already come in a little stronger than expected, whilst French and Italian data have been a little softer. ING Think
• [New] The Italian hypercar manufacturer revealed its acoustic strategy for the Elettrica ahead of its full reveal in spring 2026, addressing speculation the battery-powered model would imitate combustion engine sounds. Automotive World
• [New] French state utility EDF is in talks with banks about a potential initial public offering of its Italian subsidiary Edison, in a move that could unlock billions in capital as EDF ramps up financing for its nuclear revival at home. Electricity Info
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Positive spillover effects on Italy's economy could come from enhanced trade and collaborative opportunities. economic-research.bnpparibas.com

Last updated: 17 October 2025