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What's happening in Europe?
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Italy
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Saturday, October 17, 2026
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More than 400,000 students took to the streets, carrying banners demanding "future, not bombs" and questioning why 14 billion euros are being spent on weapons while school ceilings collapse. The Court of Auditors appeared to agree, warning that the state is prioritizing armaments over the education sector. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was less sympathetic, focusing her response on instances of violence during the marches and calling on the opposition to condemn them.
The government's fiscal agenda faced a different kind of resistance in the courts, where the Supreme Court halted the pension reforms proposed by the social security agency, INPS. While the Treasury launched a high-yield retail bond and a new tax amnesty program to bolster the state's coffers, Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti warned that ignoring the energy shock could make debt sustainability a distant memory.
Industrial friction showed signs of easing in Taranto as former ILVA steelworkers lifted their road blockades, with their strike scheduled to end by Friday. Meanwhile, the Pope contacted the Kremlin from his hospital bed to request a humanitarian truce for the trapped residents of Oleshky, as President Zelensky warned that 20 million refugees could head west if Ukraine falls.
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Top Stories
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Over 400,000 students across Italy have protested against the government's education funding and military spending, with banners declaring 'We want future, not bombs'. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni commented on the violence during these demonstrations, urging the opposition to condemn it. The Court of Auditors also weighed in, stating that 14 billion euros were allocated for weapons instead of education and called for more government support for the education sector. Students in Rome…
Il Fatto Quotidiano:
Students Reanimate Squares: 'We Want Future, Not Bombs'
Over 400,000 students protested nationwide with banners stating 'We want future, not bombs', highlighting concerns about education funding and military spending. A teacher described the situation, noting the students' anger and their demands for listening.
Il Fatto Quotidiano:
Broken Ceilings, Flooded Classrooms: Students Question Arms Spending
Students in Rome voiced their concerns about the poor state of their schools, including collapsed ceilings and flooded classrooms, questioning why funds are allocated to missiles instead of education.
Il Fatto Quotidiano:
Meloni Only Comments on Violence: 'Oppositions Condemn It'
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni focused her comments on the violence during student protests, urging the opposition to condemn it. The article notes a counter-argument that she should focus on Italians rather than criticizing them.
Il Fatto Quotidiano:
Fourteen Billion for Weapons, Not Education: Court of Auditors Warns
The Court of Auditors stated that 14 billion euros were allocated for weapons rather than education, urging the government to do more to support the education sector.
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The Supreme Court has halted the National Institute for Social Security (INPS) pension reforms, a decision that is expected to bring significant changes to the pension system.
la Repubblica:
Pension Reform Halted by Supreme Court; What Changes
The Supreme Court has halted the INPS (National Institute for Social Security) pension reforms, indicating significant changes to the system.
Corriere della Sera:
Trump Suspends New Sanctions Against Russia Approved by Congress
Trump has halted new sanctions against Russia that were previously approved by Congress, a move Moscow has called historic. Zelensky warned of 20 million more refugees if Ukraine falls.
La Stampa:
New Gift to Putin, Trump Suspends "Graham Act" Sanctions. Moscow Exults…
Former US President Donald Trump has suspended sanctions against Russia under the "Graham Act", a move that Moscow has welcomed as a historic development.
Il Post:
Day of large protests in France with students, unions, and 'Yellow Vests'
Students, unions, and members of the 'Yellow Vests' movement participated in widespread protests across France, with hundreds of demonstrations planned nationwide.
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Minister of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti has cautioned against overlooking the energy shock and emphasized the need for fiscal policy to rebuild margins to safeguard debt sustainability. In financial markets, the Italian Treasury has launched a new 'Btp Valore' bond with a dual issuance, offering a maxi-coupon of 22.2%. Additionally, the 2026 'Rotamazione Cartelle' tax amnesty program has commenced, providing details on eligible debts and participation.
ANSA:
Giorgetti Warns: Safeguard Debt Sustainability
Italian Minister Giorgetti warns against ignoring the energy shock, stating that fiscal policy should rebuild margins, while delegates leave discussions when the Russian minister speaks.
La Stampa:
Btp Valore, Double Issuance Launched: Maxi-Coupon at 22.2%. How it Works and…
The Italian Treasury has launched a new 'Btp Valore' bond with a dual issuance offering a maximum coupon of 22.2%, detailed information on its functioning and benefits is provided.
La Stampa:
Tax Folder "Scrapping" 2026: Possible from Today, Which Debts are Cancelled…
The 'Rotamazione Cartelle' tax amnesty program for 2026 is now open, detailing which debts can be cancelled and who is eligible to participate.
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Road blockades by workers of the former ILVA steel plant in Taranto have ended, and their strike is scheduled to conclude on Friday. Meanwhile, protests continue, raising concerns about a potential strike by truck drivers and its broader economic impact.
La Stampa:
Protests and Risk of Strike by Truckers
Protests are ongoing, raising concerns about a potential strike by truck drivers and its impact.
Il Post:
Ilva workers end road blockades, strike to end Friday
Road blockades by workers of the former ILVA steel plant in Taranto have ended, and the ongoing strike is set to conclude on Friday.
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Pope Leo XIV continues to show steady improvement in his recovery following lung cancer surgery, and he has celebrated Mass in the hospital. He also engaged in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to express deep concern regarding the severe humanitarian situation in the occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky, requesting permission for food and medicine deliveries and the safe evacuation of civilians.
Il Post:
Pope calls Putin for a humanitarian truce
While recovering from lung surgery, the Pope called Putin to request permission for food and medicine to be delivered to Oleshky.
Corriere della Sera:
Oleshky: The Martyr City That Pope Cares For
Civilians in Oleshky are experiencing severe shortages of food and other necessities. The UN reports that 1,700 civilians are trapped in the city.
Il Post:
Situation in Oleshky: No food, water, or electricity, and no escape
In the occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky, which the Pope asked Putin to evacuate, there is a lack of food, water, and electricity, and residents cannot leave.
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Olimpia Milano, Italy's most affluent basketball team, is currently in a challenging period, having lost five of its last six games, with more demanding matches on the horizon.
Il Post:
Olimpia Milano facing difficult period with recent losses
Olimpia Milano, the most affluent team in Italian basketball, has lost five of its last six games, with more challenging matches ahead.
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European nations remain divided on the best approach to the energy crisis, with Italy leading a group advocating for less stringent regulations on the energy transition. Italy has managed to secure some concessions at the European Council regarding this issue.
Il Post:
European countries disagree on energy crisis approach; Italy seeks leniency
European nations are divided on how to address the energy crisis, with Italy leading a group advocating for less strict regulations on the energy transition, achieving some concessions at the European Council.
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Daily news summaries from Italy
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