Raffaele Fitto nominated for Executive Vice Presidents of the European Commission
“An important victory for all Italians,” said Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, highlighting the “centrality of the country” in Europe. Italian Raffaele Fitto and Spanish Teresa Ribera have been confirmed as Executive Vice Presidents. The decision came after a long and difficult review process in the European Commission.
Socialists and Liberals have protested against Fitto’s nomination, stating that “he needs to be independent from the Italian government.”
Italy is third among OECD countries for level of tax pressure
The ratio between tax and the gross domestic product is at 42.8%. The Italian value is stable when compared to the one of the previous year, but it is above the average (33.9%). The data from the report Revenues 2024, published by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), ranks Italy as third among OECD countries for level of tax pressure.
Beko Europe (formerly Whirlpool) announces massive closures and layoffs
Downsizing and general cuts are planned across all Italian sites. 1,935 workers out of 4,400 will be dismissed, with the closure of the freezer factories in Siena and the washing machine plant in Ascoli Piceno. Workers have described the plan as “socially brutal”. “We will protect employment,” said the Undersecretary for Business Crisis Management, Fausta Bergamotto, who stated that this decision is unacceptable.
Mediobanca bets on the Winx: €90 million acquisition
Backed by 400 investors, Mediobanca (one of Italy’s leading entrepreneurial groups) is preparing for a major investment to acquire 40% of the shares on the market of Rainbow, the production company. The 3D animation studio, founded by Iginio Straffi, is best known for the famous Winx cartoon. The €90 million acquisition opens doors for investments in new original productions and the potential to double revenues.
Female unemployment at the root of inequality: BPER Bank’s fundraising initiative
The project aims to assist women lacking financial independence. The third edition of the fundraising campaign Together for Women has been launched by BPER Bank in support of the Autonomy Fund by D.i.Re – Women’s Network Against Violence. In 2024, a total of €232,000 was distributed through 83 grants. BPER has confirmed a new donation of €100,000.
New evidence in the Nadia Cella murder case: three under investigation
The Genoa Court of Appeal has accepted the prosecutor’s appeal against the acquittal of Anna Cecere, a former teacher, Marco Soracco, an accountant, and Marisa Bacchioni, Soracco’s mother. After 30 years, a trial might finally uncover the truth about the murder of Nadia Cella, a secretary who was killed in the office where she worked.
Drugs from Holland to Italy: twenty arrests
Seized over 32 kg of cocaine, valued for at least 1.5 billion euros, this was the turnover of the criminal group discovered by the Carabinieri in Ostia, near Rome. 16 are now the suspects in prison, with another 4 under house arrest and 7 additional suspects. The investigation, started two years ago, relates to international drug trafficking from Holland to Italy.
Two citizens suspected of collaboration with the Russian Intelligence
The charge is “corruption of the citizen by the foreigner”, with the aggravation of terrorism and subversion. This week the investigation, which began in April 2024, came to an end. Two Italian citizens are suspected of being asked to draw up a map of the “gray zone” (not covered by cameras) in Milan and Rome, in addition to specific documentation on military installations and security, by the Russian Intelligence.
Italian victory at the Billie Jean King Cup: triumph against Slovakia
“A dream come true,” said coach Tathiana Garbin. A 2-0 victory in the finals marked the success of Lucia Bronzetti and Jasmine Paolini, part of the Italian Team, against Slovakia. This is the fifth time Italy has won the Billie Jean King Cup, the last victory dating back to 2013. It is a significant moment for Italian tennis, following Jannik Sinner’s triumph at the ATP Finals in Turin.
Chinese billionaire bought the most expensive banana in the world: “I will eat it”
Justin Sun, the founder of the crypto platform Tron, acquired the artwork made by the Italian artist Cattelan. The Chinese billionaire bought the banana taped to the wall – called Comedian – for 6.2 billion dollars during a Sotheby’s auction and then announced he would eat it. The artwork has already been copied and eaten in the past.
