Italy-US Critical Minerals: Italy and the US signed a critical minerals cooperation deal in New York, moving from diplomacy toward industrial policy and deeper supply-chain ties. EU Carbon Market: 13 EU countries, including Italy, backed changes to keep more spare CO2 permits in the ETS “market stability reserve” to curb carbon-price spikes that can feed into electricity costs. Public Finance Watch: OECD raised Italy’s 2026 GDP growth forecast to +0.9% while keeping 2027 at +0.6%, as Italy reiterated its plan to keep the 2026 deficit below the EU 3% ceiling. RAI Modernisation: RAI is upgrading its camera fleet with Grass Valley’s LDX 150 systems as it shifts to IP-based workflows. AI in Real Estate: UAE proptech Huspy entered Italy by acquiring credit intermediary Integra Finance, planning an $86m push to scale mortgage and real-estate services. Industry Expansion: Pirelli announced a $1.2bn expansion in Georgia with 1,000 jobs by 2033, reinforcing the Italian group’s global manufacturing footprint. Business & Regulation: 13 EU states led by Austria (backed by Italy) urged a one-year “simplification” pause to cut red tape and focus on implementing existing rules. Energy Security: Italy is preparing naval escorts to protect merchant shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb amid Red Sea tensions. Local Economy: Italy’s Colosseum closed after a worker death during an illumination project.