Stories from Italy

The European Commission has threatened to suspend 2 million euros in funding for the Venice Biennale due to a unilateral decision made by the Italian government. The review will involve examining the foundation's documentation. The ministry's discontent stems from the directorate's failure to react to various demonstrations. The Italian Ministry of Culture is conducting an investigation into the Venice Biennale following protests. The ministry expressed dissatisfaction with the Biennale's directorate for failing to respond to protests, including those from Ukraine. The investigation will review foundation documentation and protest-related matters. The probe follows discussions regarding a pavilion designed by architect Alexey Shchusev over 100 years ago that belongs to Russia. Career DLSR reports the investigation is underway.

The Italian Chamber of Deputies has approved a new security decree, introducing measures such as allowing prison police to conduct undercover operations. The measure includes an intervention worth nearly 1 billion euros aimed at strengthening employment and ensuring more equitable wages. The decree renews incentives for permanent hiring of individuals under 30 and unemployed women. New monthly bonuses will reach up to 650 euros for workers under 35 and 800 euros for disadvantaged female workers in ZS areas. The decree also provides protections for delivery riders, guaranteeing them wages no lower than the minimums established by national collective agreements. The most economically part includes the confirmation of temporary tax breaks for hiring specific categories of workers. Additionally, the decree implements incentives and automatic mechanisms for contract renewals.

The jury of the Venice Biennale has announced that it will no longer consider exhibitions from Russia or Israel as candidates for awards. This decision follows ongoing geopolitical tensions and serves as a formal exclusion of the two nations from the competition's recognition process. The move marks a significant shift in the cultural landscape of the international art festival. This decision follows a statement on April 22 regarding the exclusion of countries whose leaders are under International Criminal Court arrest warrants. The Biennale did not name specific states in the document but the exclusion of these two nations was confirmed. Sergey Boyko disputed data regarding an incident in the Tuapse district. The countries were previously excluded from the list of laureates one week ago.

According to Istat, Italy's accumulated inflation rate for March 2026 reached 1.5 percent. Monthly increases were recorded at 0.1 percent, suggesting a potential annual average between 1.8 and 2.2 percent depending on future growth. Italy's inflation rate has risen to 2.8 percent, according to a report in Corriere. The public finance document, which was presented to the chambers, notes that the country remains burdened by debt. The report also addresses crude oil and interest rates.

The Italian Ministry of Justice is working to modernize judicial processes through a new integrated and agentic AI platform for investigative activities. The project aims to create a shared architecture and common standards to allow public administration and private sector capabilities to collaborate. This transition includes moving from individual prosecutor server rooms to centralized district-level systems to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The Italian Council of Ministers has approved a reform of the port system. The plan includes a 40% reduction in resources for territorial port system authorities. This cut affects several million in funding and reduces competencies in areas such as planning and extraordinary maintenance. The reform has drawn criticism regarding the protection of marine ecosystems.

Approximately 15 boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla have arrived in Sicily and are expected to depart by the weekend. The journey is estimated to take two weeks to reach destinations near Greece and Turkey. This follows an incident last year where Israeli forces intercepted another flotilla in that region. Participant Gabriel Cordy stated the mission aims to remind people of ongoing genocide. The aid flotilla that departed from Barcelona has stopped off the coast of Sicily. The vessel's current position is reported as being off the coast of Sicily. The flotilla consisted of approximately 60 small vessels that departed from Sicily on Sunday. Israeli fast boats intercepted the fleet in the Mediterranean, according to the report. The Global Flotilla, including 24 Italian activists, accused Israeli military forces of forcing activists to surrender weapons during an interception.

The jury for the Venice Biennale has announced that Israel and Russia will be excluded from the upcoming art exhibition. The decision stems from the jury's policy of not considering countries whose leaders are accused of crimes against humanity. This move marks a significant political dimension for the major international art event. This decision follows the cutting of European funds previously allocated to the event. The move follows recent discussions regarding Beatrice Venezi. The European Commission has threatened to withhold 2 million euros from biennial participants if a Russian pavilion is present this year. This decision follows a scandal beginning in March when organizers allowed Russia to return to the exhibition for the first time since 2022. The Italian government has criticized the decision.

Italian officials are discussing a potential legislative move to create a smoke-free generation to reduce the significant economic burden on the national healthcare system. The proposal follows data indicating approximately 64,000 deaths annually are linked to tobacco use. While proponents argue the move is necessary for public health and fiscal stability, critics express concerns regarding the loss of tobacco tax revenue. A new resolution presented by the Five Star Movement in the Giulio Cesare hall in Rome imposes strict smoking regulations on several coastal beaches. The guidelines target Ostia, Castel Porziano, and Capocotta. The text, which covers all types of cigarettes including traditional ones, received agreement from both the majority and the opposition. The measure is intended to take effect for the summer season.

A victim reported the theft of a bag containing all their belongings during a robbery at a restaurant in Milan. The victim expressed being in a state of shock following the incident.

Joint Justice and Finance commissions held hearings with prosecutor Roberto Pellicano regarding the prevention and repression of money laundering and terrorist financing. A deputy from the Fratelli d'Italia party has reportedly requested the creation of a new party-aligned newspaper. The proposal involves expanding the 'Secolo d'Italia' publication to serve as a political tool for Giorgia Meloni's electoral machine. The request has been submitted to the Alleanza Nazionale foundation, though feasibility concerns remain. The Italian Minister of Justice announced imminent legislation that would criminalize behaviors deemed contrary to biological sex and public morality. The minister noted that the Turkish version of similar laws would be more severe. Senator Carolina Losada of the Union and Radical Party presented a bill to be discussed in the Senate on April 28.