Southern Europe

The economy shows targeted growth in energy, tourism, and luxury sectors, supported by state-backed infrastructure projects. Italy approved an energy bill decree with tax changes and price separation, while Chevron signed deals to explore for gas off Greece and Cyprus saw a 16% jump in winter air traffic. The government also approved a resolution for a new 60,000-seat stadium in Rome.

• 11Ferrari reports higher profits and reveals electric car details
• 9Italy approves energy bill decree with tax changes and price separation
• 4Winter air traffic in Cyprus jumps 16 per cent as new routes expand
• 3Can Gucci make luxury AI?
• 3UniCredit Bank Romania places RON 600 mln of five-year bonds on Bucharest Exchange

Politics is defined by Meloni's confrontational stance towards domestic institutions and European partners, alongside coalition instability in Spain. Meloni criticized the judiciary and migrant ship compensation, clashed with Macron over an activist case, and announced a new Africa partnership plan. In Spain, political parties negotiated alliances after regional elections, while a deadlock persisted in Extremadura.

• 12Macron and Meloni clash over activist case and judicial rulings
• 10Italy's Meloni criticizes judiciary and migrant ship compensation
• 9Spanish political parties negotiate alliances after regional elections
• 8Socialist candidate wins Portugal's presidential election over populist rival
• 7Italy's Meloni announces new Africa partnership plan at summit

Security is dominated by migration-related maritime incidents and heightened regional tensions drawing in US military assets. A migrant boat and Greek coast guard vessel collided, killing at least 15, while a US aircraft carrier left Greece for the Middle East. Italy urged its citizens to leave Iran and called for heightened caution, and Spain coordinated with Frontex to search for a missing migrant boat.

• 10Migrant boat and Greek coast guard vessel collide, at least 15 dead
• 4Italy’s investigation into ‘human safaris’ in Sarajevo calls in first suspect
• 4Italy church restoration probed after Meloni angel lookalike
• 3Italy urges citizens to leave Iran, calls for heightened caution in region
• 3US-Iran tensions: Why USS Gerald R. Ford docked in Crete? The strategic importance of Souda Bay base

Society is grappling with the immediate aftermath and ongoing threat of severe winter storms across the Iberian Peninsula. Storm Leonardo killed at least one person and forced thousands to evacuate in Spain and Portugal, with Storm Marta bringing more severe weather to flood-hit areas. The cabinet approved over €1 billion for cyclone-related funding.

• 20Storm Leonardo kills at least one and forces thousands to evacuate in Spain and Portugal
• 6Protesters boo Israeli team and U.S. vice president at Milan Games opening
• 3Musumeci says cabinet OKs over €1 billion for cyclone and Niscemi (3)
• 3Meloni brands Olympic protesters ‘enemies of Italy’