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] The U.K.'s leadership role in the Global Combat Air Programme alongside Italy and Japan will lift defence propulsion R&D spending materially through 2033. Persistence Market Research
• [New] If we were to take everything into account in a single energy bill covering both utility bills and fuel, Italian households could find themselves having to pay an extra €876.8 by the end of the year compared with 2025. Il Sole 24 ORE
• [New] Among advanced G20 countries, Italy, Germany and Korea will face some of the most significant challenges from ageing. OECD
• [New] The UPB expects Italian GDP to grow by 0.9% in 2026 and 0.6% in 2027. upB
• [New] In a case-control study conducted in Italy, a significant inverse association between vitamin A intake and cutaneous malignant melanoma risk was found. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Responding to Italy's unilateral decision, a European Commission spokesperson said a member state may exceptionally and temporarily reintroduce internal border control as a matter of last resort, to address serious threats to public order or national security. The Guardian
• [New] In Italy, the Po River basin has entered a state of high water scarcity, threatening rice crops and drinking water supplies across the north. gCaptain
• [New] The wildfire crisis is moving eastwards, with Greece and Italy facing rising risks as heat, drought and strong winds continue into early August. UN News
• [New] Researchers from Italy's Cagliari University are the latest to investigate why people living in Sardinia's Blue Zone might have an edge over the general population when it comes to living healthier for longer. Refractor
• [New] PQ Media forecasts an acceleration in global consumer spending on media and tech to 3.7% in 2026, up from 2.8% in 2025, largely fueled by events like the Winter Olympics in Italy, the FIFA World Cup tri-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, and a host of federal elections worldwide. Kavout
• There is speculation at Italy's Meloni will call for national elections next April. Marc to Market Marc Chandler on Global FX and Capital
• Male chick culling has now been banned in Germany and France and will be prohibited in Italy in 2027. AgFunderNews

Last updated: 21 August 2026