Italy is facing extensive travel disruption throughout February 2026, with over twenty strikes impacting air, rail, and port services. Travelers should anticipate significant delays and cancellations, particularly on key dates affecting national airlines, major railway operators, and port activities.
Italian authorities have detained the German-flagged refugee rescue ship Sea-Watch 5 for 15 days and imposed a €7,500 fine. The action follows the crew's refusal to communicate with the Libyan coastguard after rescuing 18 people, a decision Sea-Watch defends as upholding international law.
The Mido 2026 eyewear fair has commenced in Milan, Italy, running from January 31 to February 2 at Fiera Milano Rho. The event gathers approximately 1,200 exhibitors from 50 countries and expects over 40,000 visitors, highlighting the latest in eyewear design, technology, and sustainability.
Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has renewed criticism of the UK's reluctance to share advanced technology within the tri-nation Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), warning that such secrecy could undermine the project and benefit adversaries.
Six Italian officials, including Coast Guard and Customs Police officers, are now on trial in Crotone, Italy, facing charges of negligence and multiple manslaughters. The charges stem from the February 2023 Cutro shipwreck, which claimed the lives of at least 94 migrants, including 35 children, after authorities allegedly failed to launch a timely rescue operation despite early warnings.
The EU Court of Justice ruled on January 29, 2026, that Italy is not compelled to offer permanent contracts to opera performers. However, the court emphasized that national laws must include robust and effective measures to prevent the abusive use of successive short-term contracts, particularly in the performing arts sector, citing the case of a ballet dancer from Milan's La Scala.
Italy's benchmark FTSEMIB index closed positively on January 27, 2026, gaining 1.09% to reach 45,440 points. The rise was fueled by investor optimism surrounding a new EU-India trade agreement and anticipation of the US Federal Reserve's policy decision.
The Italian government has declared a 12-month state of emergency for Sicily, Sardinia, and Calabria following the severe impact of Cyclone Harry. The storm caused damages estimated to exceed 1 billion euros, prompting an initial allocation of 100 million euros for reconstruction and urgent repairs. No casualties were reported on Italian soil, though migrant drownings occurred in the Mediterranean.
Italian Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein stated that Italy should not nominate Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Her remarks came after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reportedly expressed hope for Trump to receive the award, linking it to peace in Ukraine. Schlein emphasized defending international law and criticized what she termed Italy's 'subordination to Trump'.
The Olympic Flame for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games is traversing Italy's Friuli Venezia Giulia region on January 23rd and 24th, making significant stops in cities like Trieste and Udine. The relay, a symbol of unity and peace, highlights the region's cultural and historical landmarks, engaging communities across several towns.
Trina Storage and Aer Soléir are developing Italy's largest battery energy storage system (BESS) in Rondissone, near Turin. The 1 GWh project, with a 250 MW power output, aims to bolster grid stability and integrate renewables, targeting 2027 delivery.
Italian luxury jewelry group Damiani has announced an agreement to acquire Swiss watch brand Baume & Mercier from luxury conglomerate Richemont. The deal, expected to close in summer 2026, aims to leverage Damiani's distribution network and Italian market presence to enhance Baume & Mercier's global reach. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Claudio Carlomagno has confessed to the femicide of his wife, Federica Torzullo, in Anguillara Sabazia, near Rome. Torzullo, 41, was reported missing on January 8, 2026, and her body was discovered on January 18. Carlomagno admitted to the killing on January 21, citing fears of losing custody of their son as a motive. The investigation continues into the brutal details of the crime.
In a significant legal development, Claudio Carlomagno, husband of the late Federica Torzullo, has been charged with the newly established crime of femicide in Italy. Torzullo, a 41-year-old postal worker, was found buried near her husband's business in Anguillara Sabazia after disappearing on January 8th. The autopsy revealed 23 stab wounds, and investigators allege attempts to mutilate and burn the body.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met in Seoul to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, space, and defense. The summit, marking the first visit by an Italian leader in nearly two decades, also saw agreements on semiconductors, disaster response, and cultural exchange.
Analysts in Rome emphasize significant economic and trade benefits for Italy after the EU-Mercosur deal was formally signed on January 17, 2026. The agreement, supported by Italy, is expected to boost exports, protect Italian agri-food products, and strengthen competitiveness.
Italian financial authorities in Brindisi have detained a cargo ship, likely the HIZIR REIS, flying the flag of Tuvalu, on January 17, 2026. The vessel was carrying over 33,000 metric tons of black metal and is suspected of violating EU sanctions against Russia by loading cargo in Novorossiysk while its tracking systems were disabled.
Italian skier Nicol Delago claimed her first career World Cup downhill victory in Tarvisio, Italy, on Saturday, January 17, 2026. She finished with a time of 1:46.28, 0.20 seconds ahead of Germany's Kira Weidle-Winkelmann, with American Lindsey Vonn taking third. The win comes less than three weeks before the Milan Cortina Winter Games.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni concluded a three-day official working visit to Japan, meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The leaders elevated bilateral relations to a 'special strategic partnership,' focusing on economic security, defense cooperation, and a shared commitment to a free and open international order. The visit also marked the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Three individuals have been arrested in Gravina di Catania, Italy, following an attempted robbery at a local post office. Police intervened during the ATM reloading process, recovering approximately 150,000 euros and a blank-firing pistol. The suspects, aged 29, 53, and 60, are now in custody.
