Southern Europe

Italy's economy shows modest growth but high debt, with IMF projecting 0.5% GDP growth until 2027. Ferrari's electric car launch caused a stock plunge followed by partial recovery, while Meloni announced a framework for nuclear power resumption. Cyprus faces rising construction costs and broader economic challenges.

• 29Ferrari unveils first electric car, Luce, with divisive design
• 9James Murdoch buys half of Vox Media and New York Magazine
• 9Meloni announces nuclear power framework and defends debt record
• 7Cyprus Faces Economic Pressures and Digital Push
• 6UniCredit to Sell Part of Russian Business

Italy strengthens ties with India through a strategic partnership and Modi's visit, while US Secretary Rubio meets Meloni and the Pope amid Trump tensions. Malta's Labour Party wins a fourth term, and a League lawmaker is suspended for evoking a fascist slogan.

• 34Rubio meets Pope Leo at Vatican amid Trump tensions
• 27Indian PM Modi visits Italy, meets Meloni and Mattarella for talks
• 14Modi and Meloni strengthen ties amid controversy over Gaza flotilla
• 12Tajani told Rubio USA needs Italy and Europe
• 10Malta's Labour Party wins historic fourth term

Italy busts a money-laundering ring tied to mafia boss Messina Denaro and condemns Russia after a drone hits a Romanian building. An Italian contractor is killed in Ukraine, and a shooting in southern Spain leaves two dead.

• 6Italy Seizes €200m in Assets Tied to Late Mafia Boss Messina Denaro
• 6Two Dead, Four Injured in Southern Spain Shooting
• 4Playwright arrested for alleged sexual assault of 15-year-old student
• 4French pair held until trial after boys abandoned by road in Portugal
• 4Italy: 8 injured after driver crashes car into pedestrians in Modena

Mass protests in Madrid demand Prime Minister Sanchez's resignation, with tens of thousands marching twice in a week. Italy bans Kanye West and Travis Scott concerts over security concerns, and a heatwave breaks May temperature records in Portugal.

• 11Thousands rally in Madrid to demand Sanchez's resignation
• 10Italy bans Kanye West and Travis Scott concerts over security concerns
• 7Italian leaders visit victims after Modena car-ramming attack
• 7Princess Kate visits Italy in first overseas trip since cancer recovery
• 6Spain, Ireland and Slovenia to Skip Eurovision Broadcast

Who covers Southern Europe most

Outlets by number of headlines in May 2026, with their stance toward the country.

• ANSA249 titles

  +1ConstructiveDomestic

  broadly favourable, treating Italy as a credible and active international actor

• Cyprus Mail134 titles

  +1ConstructiveDomestic

  supportive and promotional

• El Mundo106 titles

  0ReportorialDomestic

  neutral with mixed framing

• Euronews87 titles

  From European Union
• eKathimerini79 titles

  From Greece
• Corriere della Sera74 titles

  +1ConstructiveDomestic

  respectful but not uncritical

• El País73 titles

  0ReportorialDomestic

  neutral reporting with mixed framing

• La Repubblica73 titles

  0ReportorialDomestic

  neutral reporting with mixed framing

Sources from Southern Europe

• El Países
• El Paísen
• ANSAen
• Corriere della Serait
• La Repubblicait
• El Mundoes
• Cyprus Mailen
• eKathimerinien