European leaders clash over how to tackle threats from Trump and Russia The 27-nation alliance has endured several economic and political threats in recent years The Independent UK · Feb 12
‘Enemies of Italy’? Meloni’s rebuke of Olympics protesters shows ‘repressive’ drift, say critics Opposition parties condemn security laws as ‘violation of the constitutional right to demonstrate’ The Guardian - UK · Feb 12
Italy approves new migration bill including powers to impose 'naval blockades' on migrant ships Italy’s conservative government led by Premier Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday has approved a bill introducing new measures aimed at fighting illegal immigration, including a so-called “naval blockade” for migrant ships trying to reach Italian shores The Independent UK · Feb 11
The rise of ‘Merzoni’: How an alliance between Germany’s and Italy’s leaders is reshaping Europe “Merzoni” isn’t a neologism that easily trips off the tongue, and it hasn’t fully taken hold in the world of European politics. The Conversation · Feb 11
Should the EU speak directly with Putin? Leaders agree to disagree – for now The idea of re-engaging with the Kremlin as part of the peace talks to end the war in Ukraine has sharply split EU countries, with some calling for a special envoy and others insisting that Russia make concessions first. Euronews · Feb 10
Police deploy tear gas and water cannons as Winter Olympic protests over ICE and environmental concerns become violent There is anger about environmental damage caused by preparations for the Games, and concerns about cost. We Got This Covered · Feb 9
Italian reporters to protest over boss’s gaffe-filled Olympic commentary Director of state broadcaster Rai Sport welcomed viewers to wrong stadium and mistook Italian actor for Mariah Carey The Guardian - UK · Feb 9
Winter Olympics live: Mia Brookes edged out for big air medal after Kirsty Muir misery Team GB failed in their pursuit of a first medal of the Games with Mia Brookes and Kirsty Muir both edged off the podium The Independent UK · Feb 9
Newsletter: Kallas urges Europe to make Russia ‘negotiate’ rather than ‘pretend to negotiate' Also in this newsletter: Leaders gear up for talks on restoring Europe's waning competitiveness, and Socialist moderate wins landslide victory in Portugal's presidential run-off. Euronews · Feb 9
Meloni condemns anti-Olympics actions in Milan, calling demonstrators 'enemies of Italy' Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has condemned recent anti-Olympics protests in Milan The Independent UK · Feb 8
JD Vance gets booed at the Olympics, and Donald Trump’m says it was justified ‘in all fairness’ Of course, the first trick to refute it all was to call it "fake news." We Got This Covered · Feb 7
‘I’ve learned Italian since the last time I saw you’: JD Vance jokes with Italy’s Meloni during meeting US Vice President JD Vance, attending the Winter Olympics in Italy, engaged in a lighthearted exchange with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Vance, on a diplomatic visit, jested about his Italian language skills during their meeting. The encounter occurred amidst evolving US-Europe relations, with Vance also attending the figure skating competition. The Times of India · Feb 6
Vance attends Olympic skating, then meets with Italian Prime Minister Meloni Vice President JD Vance met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Milan on Friday, part of his trip to the Olympics The Independent UK · Feb 6
Giorgia Meloni’s face on a church mural is offensive – but not for the reason the Vatican thinks When the likeness of the populist leader as an angel was painted into a cheesy tribute to Italy’s last king, it caused outrage. But far better artists have been similarly profane for centuries The Guardian - UK · Feb 6
The Guardian - UK · Feb 5 Thursday news quiz: graveyards, Grammys and Muppet Show guests Test yourself on topical news trivia, pop culture and general knowledge every Thursday. How will you fare?
The Guardian - UK · Feb 4 Angel that looked like Giorgia Meloni removed from Rome church fresco Vatican appears to have ordered removal of restored work, which artist confessed he had made to resemble PM
The Independent UK · Feb 4 Church angel resembling Giorgia Meloni painted over but mystery lingers The unexpected depiction, part of recent renovations at the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, prompted immediate investigations
The Conversation · Feb 3 Winter Olympic security tightens as US-European tensions grow Since the murder of 11 Israeli hostages at the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics, security has been fundamental for games stakeholders.
The Independent UK · Feb 3 Pope Leo XIV faces first major crisis as traditional Catholics announce plans without Papal consent For the Vatican, papal consent for the consecration of bishops is a fundamental doctrine, guaranteeing the lineage of apostolic succession from Christ’s original apostles
The Independent UK · Feb 3 Giorgia Meloni breaks silence over resemblance to restored church angel The apparent likeness to the Italian premier has sparked condemnation from Italy’s Culture Ministry
The Independent UK · Feb 3 Church angel painting ‘resembling Giorgia Meloni’ prompts investigation A restored painting of an angel in a church in Rome that appears to resemble Italian leader Giorgia Meloni has left some giggling and others up in arms.
Euronews · Feb 3 'I'm definitely not like an angel': Meloni jokes about cherub lookalike after uproar Italy's culture ministry and the diocese of Rome are investigating the restoration of a church cherub that looks like Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Euronews · Feb 2 Germany opposes direct talks with Russia due to Putin's 'maximalist demands' As Paris and Rome push for reopening diplomatic channels with Moscow, Berlin is taking the opposite position.
The Independent UK · Feb 2 Catholic Church and Italy investigate sacred and profane cherub seemingly modeled on Meloni The appearance in a Roman church of a cherub that bears a striking resemblance to Premier Giorgia Meloni has sparked a minor scandal for both church and state in Italy
Euronews · Feb 2 Italy fast-tracks security decree after violent clashes in Turin injure 100 officers Italy is fast-tracking a security decree following violent clashes in Turin that injured over 100 officers, including an attack on a policeman with a hammer, which Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said was "attempted murder".