The Haizum Italian Insider Report is a monthly news service that monitors the most relevant issues in Italy. This document focuses on political, Economic, and Strategic matters, considering the role of Italy within the European Union, the MENA region, and Transatlantic Relations. The report will deliver clever insights by leveraging Haizum’s deep connections in the national institutional ecosystem.
Reading Time: 13 Minutes
Italy recorded noteworthy changes across its institutional leadership, defense priorities, diplomatic engagements, economic outlook, and significant corporate undertakings. In the realm of institutions, the European Commission named Claudio Casini as the new Head of its Representation in Rome, recognizing his robust experience in EU negotiations and policy coordination. Meanwhile, in the judiciary, Cesare Parodi took over as President of the National Magistrates Association (ANM), emphasizing a renewed commitment to dialogue with the Government, and Pietro Gaeta was confirmed as Prosecutor General of Italy’s Court of Cassation, receiving support from the Superior Council of the Judiciary and President Mattarella.
On the defense front, Minister Guido Crosetto’s meeting with new U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Brussels illuminated Italy’s growing role in NATO’s strategic framework. Discussions revolved around rising budget pressures and Rome’s argument that its significant operational commitments merit a more flexible burden-sharing approach. Regarding diplomatic ventures, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s forty-billion-dollar accords with the United Arab Emirates demonstrated Italy’s drive to expand its partnerships across defense, energy, and technology sectors. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara introduced “Villaggio Italia” in Cairo, a project to boost vocational training and local development. At the same time, Giulio Centemero’s leadership of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean highlighted Italy’s intent to address challenges through collaborative regional forums.
Economic news included new leadership at CISL, Daniela Fumarola becoming the second woman to helm the confederation, and a shaky start to 2025 marked by interest-rate cuts tempered by soaring energy costs and stagnant manufacturing output. In finance and industrial restructuring, KKR’s increased stake in Enilive confirmed the private equity giant’s broadening investments in Italy. Generali’s forthcoming shareholders’ meeting set the stage for concerns about foreign influence in the asset management sector. FS Group announced fresh appointments at RFI, Trenitalia, Anas, and Italferr in the corporate arena, aiming to modernize Italy’s transportation networks. Lufthansa continued pursuing greater involvement in ITA Airways, while Leonardo finalized a top-level reorganization to consolidate strategic divisions. TIM, meanwhile, approved a bid from the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Retelit for its submarine cable subsidiary Sparkle.
Claudio Casini has been appointed as the new Head of the European Commission Representation in Rome, acting under the political authority of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The date for Casini’s appointment to take effect will be announced later. Throughout his career, Casini has developed deep expertise in various EU policy areas, including international and inter-institutional negotiations, external representation, diplomatic relations, management, communication, and policy analysis.
Currently seconded to the Italian Prime Minister’s office, he is the chief negotiator for implementing Italy’s Recovery and Resilience Plan, demonstrating significant negotiation and result-oriented skills. Casini spent over ten years in the European Commission’s General Secretariat, previously serving as Antici Counsellor and Financial Counsellor. Earlier in his career, he held positions at Italy’s Permanent Representation to the EU and within the cabinets of former EU Commissioners Danuta Hübner and Paweł Samecki.
Cesare Parodi, 62, has been elected President of the Italian National Magistrates Association (ANM). His election followed intense discussions among judiciary factions, achieving near-total unity except excluding the faction Articolo 101. Upon election, Parodi confirmed the planned judicial strike scheduled for February 27, emphasizing the need for dialogue with the Government. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni responded positively to the invitation for discussion, hoping for constructive dialogue on judicial reforms while respecting the autonomy between politics and the judiciary.
Parodi, a magistrate since 1990 and Deputy Prosecutor in Turin overseeing the “Codice Rosso” pool for vulnerable groups, has consistently advocated for judicial independence and constitutional principles. His past roles include prosecutor positions in various capacities and significant contributions to legal scholarship. The newly elected ANM executive board comprises representatives from multiple judicial factions, aiming to balance internal interests effectively.
Pietro Gaeta has been appointed as the new Prosecutor General of Italy’s Court of Cassation, succeeding Luigi Salvato upon his retirement on March 11. Gaeta’s nomination was confirmed by a unique plenum of the Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSM), presided over by President Sergio Mattarella, securing 20 votes against 9 for competitor Pasquale Fimiani.
Gaeta, who previously served as Advocate General at the Supreme Court, began his judicial career in 1981 at age 23, making him the youngest serving magistrate. His extensive judicial experience includes positions such as Judge in Paola, Pretoria in Melito Porto Salvo and Reggio Calabria, and Deputy Prosecutor for minors in Reggio Calabria and Palmi.
President Mattarella praised Gaeta’s professional qualities and expressed confidence in his strong leadership of the Cassation’s General Prosecution Office. He also thanked outgoing prosecutor Luigi Salvato for his exemplary service and highlighted the CSM’s essential role in safeguarding judicial independence and contributing positively to Italy’s institutional stability.
Brussels has taken center stage in transatlantic defense discussions, with two significant events on the agenda: the Ukraine Contact Group, meeting under British leadership for the first time, and the NATO Defense ministerial. Italy’s Defense Minister, Guido Crosetto, attended these talks, conscious of the renewed debate on increasing defense budgets in Europe. Former U.S. President Donald Trump is advocating that NATO member states dedicate 5% of their GDP to military expenditures, while Secretary General Mark Rutte, similarly convinced that current budgets are inadequate, is recommending a target of 3%.
Italy, still below the longstanding 2% guideline, now faces heightened expectations regarding its budget allocations and strategic contributions. The arrival of the new U.S. Defense Secretary, Pete Hegset, introduced another layer of interest. Although he attended the Contact Group and NATO sessions merely as a participant and avoided making explicit pledges, his presence opened a path for dialogue between Rome and Washington. During the bilateral meeting, Crosetto highlighted the extent of Italy’s operational commitments and emphasized the country’s need for a pragmatic approach toward budget thresholds. Italy currently ranks as the first European and second overall contributor—after the United States—regarding personnel and equipment deployed in NATO operations.
Olof Persson, CEO of the Iveco group, has announced a plan to spin off Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV). While this news sparked initial interest in how it might boost Iveco’s share price, the move carries strategic implications far beyond finances. Italy’s leading players, such as Leonardo, have long emphasized the need for consolidation in the defense sector, pointing to examples like the Wass-Fincantieri deal. Rheinmetall, now Leonardo’s partner in a joint venture for land systems, also appears poised to explore possible synergies.
This spin-off plan represents a straightforward way to revalue IDV’s core expertise, potentially bypassing Government Golden Power. Although the Italian Government retains the right to restrict foreign acquisitions, a more independent IDV could appear even more attractive to outside investors. Any future acquisition would consider IDV’s close ties to the Pentagon.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, reached agreements worth 40 billion dollars. This figure not only reflects the scale of economic interests but also underscores the multidimensional scope of this new partnership. Strategic fields such as defense, energy (conventional, nuclear, and renewable), space, artificial intelligence, and the preservation of cultural heritage feature prominently in the accords.
This meeting also saw both countries commit to strengthening cooperation with other regions, particularly in Africa, where Meloni’s “Mattei Plan” aims to distinguish Italy as a reliable partner. Italy’s growing interest in connecting Europe to the Gulf aligns naturally with the UAE’s commercial and financial hub role. Both nations recognize the importance of joint ventures in advanced technologies, including data centers and AI, and have pledged to deepen their ties in research and the space industry.
Lega lawmaker Giulio Centemero has assumed leadership of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) for the 2025–2026 term, following his previous role heading the Italian delegation. His election comes when the Mediterranean basin faces mounting challenges, ranging from political instability to economic inequalities. In his inaugural address, Centemero underlined the region’s historical role as both a frontier and a bridge.
Centemero’s presidency will revolve around several priorities, including safeguarding peoples’ self-determination, supporting sovereignty, fighting climate change, combating social and economic disparities, and addressing the spread of disinformation.
Tensions arose between Israeli and Palestinian representatives during the Assembly’s meetings. Yet, the parties reached agreements on critical topics such as terrorism, human trafficking, economic development, and equitable access to water. Centemero also announced plans for a dedicated Mediterranean Youth Forum, highlighting the importance of offering educational and employment opportunities to younger generations.
Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara introduced a novel aspect of Italy’s engagement with Africa through an initiative dubbed “Villaggio Italia” in Cairo. This project combines advanced technologies, mechatronics, tourism, textiles, renewable energy, and agro-industry, aiming to showcase the best Italian education in a single, practical setting. The goal is not merely academic: “Villaggio Italia” also aligns with the core objectives of the Mattei Plan.
Supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Confindustria, the initiative highlights an Italian approach to “soft power” that fosters local growth rather than imposing top-down agendas. Valditara’s broader objective is to create training hubs capable of educating new generations of teachers, especially in Africa, where a severe shortage of qualified instructors demands immediate attention.
With the election of Daniela Fumarola as General Secretary, CISL—the Italian Confederation of Workers’ Trade Unions—has entered a new chapter. Fumarola, born in Taranto in 1966, rose through the ranks of the union’s agricultural branches and later led the Taranto-Brindisi and Puglia segments before joining CISL’s national confederation.
She is the second woman to head the organization, following Annamaria Furlan, and brings with her years of experience battling issues such as undeclared labor, environmental remediation of the ex-Ilva facility in Taranto, and job protections for women.
Her predecessor, Luigi Sbarra, leaves the post after reaching the confederation’s age limit but considers his tenure a success, mainly because of the near-completion of a long-planned participation law. That law, driven by 400,000 signatures gathered by CISL, aims to give workers a more direct role in corporate management and profits. Sbarra’s close relationship with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who attended the CISL national assembly and praised the union’s commitment to bridging the divide between workers and employers, may also hint at his future direction. He has announced the creation of the Franco Marini Foundation—named for an influential former CISL leader—and some observers speculate that Sbarra could soon take on a more overtly political role in the Meloni coalition.
Italy begins the year with further interest-rate cuts, but the renewed jump in energy costs is reigniting inflation. Stagnation in manufacturing persists, and even though services show mild growth, overall performance remains subdued. After GDP flatlined in late 2024, a slight rebound is on the horizon, yet looming U.S. tariffs create an atmosphere of uncertainty for both trade and investments. Gas in Europe more than doubled compared to a year ago, pushing Italian electricity prices higher as well. While oil dropped slightly from 79 to 76 dollars a barrel, many households and businesses see no relief, and power bills continue to climb. This abrupt rise in gas and electricity fuels renewed inflationary pressures throughout the economy.
The European Central Bank lowered rates again in January, and markets anticipate further reductions. Nevertheless, inflation in the euro area is increasing, driven partly by returning energy price hikes. In Italy, consumer prices have begun to climb from last year’s lows, and businesses, although paying less interest, continue to struggle to obtain credit. Industrial production fell sharply in December, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of decline, with automotive output plummeting by almost 37%.
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) has solidified its position in Italy’s energy sector by acquiring an additional five stakes in Enilive, raising its share to 30%. Enilive is Eni’s subsidiary specializing in bio-refineries and sustainable mobility, and the deal values the company at 11.7 billion euros. This move follows an agreement from October that outlined the step-by-step increase of KKR’s stake and mirrors Eni’s broader “satellite model,” whereby the Italian multinational spins off various divisions for partial listing or outside investment.
KKR’s involvement in Italy, however, extends well beyond Enilive. The American private equity firm is a significant partner in FiberCop, a key entity managing the country’s broadband infrastructure after incorporating parts of the TIM network. It also holds indirect stakes in the telecommunications tower operator Inwit and has invested in Umbrian automation company Cmc.
Among KKR’s notable Italian executives is Mattia Caprioli, a Bocconi graduate who joined KKR in 2001 and has overseen major private equity deals across multiple sectors. Another is Alberto Signori, responsible for infrastructure investments in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Diego Piacentini, an advisor to the fund since 2019, brings significant expertise from previous top-level roles at Amazon and Apple and has shaped Italy’s public-sector digital agenda at Palazzo Chigi.
Generali’s shareholders’ meeting will take place in Trieste on April 24. Three separate slates of candidates are expected to be filed. Mediobanca will present the majority slate with Andrea Sironi as chairman and Philippe Donnet reconfirmed as group CEO. A much-anticipated minority slate will be drawn up by Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone, who holds around 7% of Generali’s shares and is likely to find backing from the Del Vecchio family’s Delfin, which controls at least 10%.
A third slate will be promoted by a group of investment fund managers hoping to gather support from the broader institutional investor community. Several major shareholders—Unicredit (5.2%), Edizione of the Benetton family (4.5%), and Fondazione CRT (over 2%)—are seen as holding the key to the outcome. Unlike in past years, however, domestic politics have gained greater relevance. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Government has voiced concerns regarding Philippe Donnet’s proposed partnership with Natixis, the French asset-management firm, fearing it may grant foreign entities too much power over Italian savings.
Donnet has tried to address these worries by noting that the joint venture, once formally defined, will fall under the golden power procedure, allowing Italy’s Government to vet any transaction bearing on strategic national interests. At this time, though, the Natixis deal has yet to be officially notified to Government authorities.
Italian transport has seen a host of board reshuffles at Ferrovie dello Stato (FS) companies, ending a long and sometimes complex selection process. Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI), which manages rail tracks and infrastructure, has named Paola Firmi its new President and indicated Aldo Isi as CEO, replacing Dario Lo Bosco and Gianpiero Strisciuglio. Trenitalia, responsible for passenger rail service, appointed Strisciuglio as its new CEO in place of Luigi Corradi, who is moving on to be the director of FS International.
At Anas, tasked with overseeing the country’s road network, Giuseppe Pecoraro was made President, joined by Claudio Andrea Gemme as CEO. Meanwhile, Lo Bosco transitions to become CEO of Italferr, the engineering branch that designs and constructs rail projects, and Corradi is set to lead FS International. Busitalia, FS Sistemi Urbani, and Ferservizi also experienced leadership changes. By reshuffling top posts, the Ministry, led by Matteo Salvini, aims to accelerate project delivery, modernize infrastructure, and ensure that Italy’s transport system fully aligns with European mobility standards.
ITA Airways continues solidifying its relationship with Lufthansa, which is interested in expanding its Mediterranean presence and strengthening its European route network. By integrating ITA into Lufthansa’s broader structure, the German airline seeks to optimize flight connections, coordinate maintenance and service operations, and ultimately position ITA as more profitable. While details of the deal have not been entirely disclosed, the Italian Government appears willing to support the partnership, provided it yields a healthier balance sheet for ITA and safeguards critical employment levels. For its part, Lufthansa views this as an opportunity to dominate key markets in Southern Europe and drive synergy with its other significant acquisitions. Still, the final structure remains under close watch by European regulators.
Ahead of a shareholders’ meeting scheduled for 11 April 2025, Leonardo is finalizing its new organizational structure under CEO Roberto Cingolani. After a rapid series of consultations, it has been decided that the role of Vice Director General will be assigned to Simone Ungaro and Carlo Gualdaroni, who will oversee multiple divisions. On the same executive level, a parallel position is expected to go to Filippo Maria Grasso, who may be designated as a “supervisor of corporate functions” or head of public affairs.
Lorenzo Mariani appears set to become the new CEO of MBDA Italia, with Giuseppe Cossiga as president and Ungaro possibly sitting on the company’s European board. Rumors of personnel changes at senior levels, especially among Mariani’s close collaborators, have already proven partly true, exemplified by the sudden departure of Chief Procurement, Services & Operations Officer Manlio Cuccaro.
In a development tied to national security and Italy’s digital infrastructure, TIM’s Board of Directors unanimously approved on 18 February 2025 the binding offer from the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and Retelit to purchase the telecom company’s stake in Sparkle, a global provider of submarine cable systems. This offer values Sparkle at around seven hundred million euros, with the contract signing projected before 11 April 2025 and completion of the deal likely by the first quarter of 2026, subject to antitrust and Golden Power clearances.
Through its advisors Vitale & Co, Goldman Sachs, Mediobanca, and legal counsel, TIM has deemed the bid appropriate, particularly for reducing debt and refocusing on core domestic operations. Retelit aims to leverage Sparkle’s undersea cables and data transport network to grow its international digital services. At the same time, the MEF sees the move as an opportunity to ensure strategic state oversight of critical connectivity assets.
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