The latest news about Italy – 29.02.2024

According to reports from La Repubblica, the previous Italian satellite has already been decommissioned, and the new one, utilizing cutting-edge technologies, is not expected to be ready before 2026. However, due to the possible threat of losing a dedicated slot for the satellite, the government is taking measures to expedite the acquisition and launch of the new space asset.

The satellite purchase is part of a program called “Resilience of the State Telecommunication Satellite System” (Sicral). This program is focused on developing and deploying a geostationary satellite capable of providing communication in times of war or emergencies.

The projected cost for the project is €300 million, and the Defense Commission led by President Nino Minardo has already issued a positive recommendation. According to the commission president, the new satellite is expected to be launched into orbit by 2025.

The project not only meets the strategic and operational needs of defense but also serves national security in the event of compromised conventional telecommunication structures. This becomes particularly relevant in the face of growing threats in space aimed at disabling satellites.

As part of the military equipment upgrade, the government has allocated over €12 billion for military expenditures, including the purchase of new Leopard 2 tanks, Lockheed Martin missiles, and two next-generation naval frigates, Frem.

The acquisition of a new geostationary satellite has become an urgent task for the Italian government to ensure continuous communication and protect national interests in space. It is planned that the new satellite will be operational by 2025, while the country awaits the launch of the more advanced Sicral-3 in 2026

The report particularly emphasizes Moscow’s attempts to hinder Italian and European initiatives for energy diversification and the imposition of price limits on Russian gas. These efforts are executed through propaganda, distorting information about energy trends. Special attention is given to upcoming events such as European elections, Italy’s presidency in the G7, and the exit from the Silk Road.

In the section on conflict development, it is noted that support for Ukraine from Western countries has persisted, albeit decreased compared to the previous year. The overall volume of military aid allocated by European nations has, for the first time, exceeded that offered by the United States. Conversely, support from third parties to the Russian military-industrial base is on the rise, with China likely providing dual-use technologies, and other countries offering direct military support, such as Iranian drones and North Korean munitions.

The report underscores that Italy has become a potential target due to its central position in the Christian world, participation in the coalition against ISIS, and the presence of symbolic Western historical sites like the Colosseum. Propagandist efforts have aimed to portray Italy as a conquest target.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has sparked a “revival of jihadist propaganda,” not only from an anti-Zionist perspective but also directed at reigniting the clash between Islam and the West, projecting threats beyond the theater of conflict. There is a “real” risk that the crisis could serve as a resonator for jihadist messages, influencing radicalization processes and motivating lone wolves dislocated in Europe.

In this context, antagonistic movements actively promote marches, demonstrations, and propaganda initiatives in an “anti-Zionist” key, as part of the broader “Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions” (BDS) campaign, aiming to shape public opinion for pressuring Israel.

Various international crisis scenarios, as outlined in the report, have influenced a heterogeneous antagonistic world, attempting to consolidate and strengthen dissenting fronts. Right-wing extremists continue efforts to increase visibility, tracking more structured groups, and seeking political accreditation for upcoming local elections. Issues such as rising energy prices, the high cost of living, and the government’s position on foreign crises have been central to their attention.

In light of these challenges, the intelligence community recommends enhancing security measures, counterintelligence actions, and actively resisting disinformation and propaganda to ensure national security

Tourism operators express serious concerns ahead of the upcoming spring holidays and Easter due to prolonged processing times for passport renewals and issuances, which can reach up to two years in some regions. This situation is a result of chronic delays and inefficiencies in document processing.

Gianni Rebekki, the president of Assoviaggi, notes that while waiting times have decreased in some provincial capitals, in many other regions, the situation has worsened. He warns that without decisive measures, there is a risk of canceling another 52,000 bookings, leading to a potential loss of approximately 75 million euros in tourism business revenue.

Waiting times for obtaining a passport in Italy have become a significant obstacle for travel agencies and tour operators. Over the first two months of 2024, more than 6,000 bookings were canceled or postponed due to passport issuance delays, resulting in a loss of 8.8 million euros.

The challenging situation prompted tourism companies to write to the Minister of Internal Affairs, Matteo Piantedosi, requesting a meeting and the cancellation of 167,000 international trips over the past two years. The turnover associated with these trips is estimated at 300 million euros. Despite the ministry’s commitment to resolving the issue, the question remains pressing, and the business community anticipates imminent updates.

Passport issuance varies from region to region. In the Piedmont and Lombardy provinces, the situation is critical, with waiting times extending up to a year. In the regions of Rome and Campania, while waiting times may decrease, the overall situation remains complex.

This issue not only affects tourists but also citizens facing difficulties in renewing or obtaining a new passport. With the escalation of the problem, proactive tourism companies expect a resolution soon to salvage not only the upcoming Easter and spring holidays but also the future of tourism in Italy

Weather in the Next Few Hours: Heavy Rainfall and Flood Threats

It is expected that the weather situation will further deteriorate in the next few hours, especially affecting areas that have already suffered from unfavorable weather conditions. Heavy rains may impact northern regions, including Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont.

Recent Incidents: Avalanches and Floods

It has been noted that heavy rains starting on February 28 led to the overflowing of the Bacchiglione and Retrone rivers in the Veneto region. Several areas experienced flooding, but with limited damage. In Alto Adige, a dramatic situation unfolded with an avalanche hitting Rasines-di-Dentro, resulting in one fatality and two serious injuries.

Weather Warning: Red Alert in Veneto

Civil Protection issued a red alert for the highest risks in the Veneto region. An orange alert has been declared for Emilia-Romagna and Veneto. A yellow warning is in effect for several other regions, including Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Abruzzo, Sicily, and others.

Weather Advisory: Civil Protection’s Call for Caution

In anticipation of worsening weather conditions, Italy’s Civil Protection urges special caution. Residents in affected areas are advised to take precautionary measures and stay updated with local authorities’ announcements.

Italy is grappling with significant challenges due to natural phenomena, and it is crucial for both citizens and authorities to be prepared for possible emergencies. Close monitoring of forecasts and adherence to Civil Protection recommendations is essential to minimize risks and ensure the safety of the population