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Italy’s Data Privacy Watchdog Faces Corruption Probe

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Italian finance police have searched the headquarters of the country’s data protection authority as part of a probe into alleged corruption and embezzlement, according to judicial sources. Rome prosecutors are investigating the agency’s president, Pasquale Stanzione, along with three other board members, over claims of excessive spending and irregularities linked to regulatory decisions.

Stanzione said he was “absolutely serene” when questioned by reporters, but declined to say whether he would resign. The opposition 5-Star Movement said the investigation had damaged the credibility of the authority and called for Stanzione to step down, intensifying political pressure on the watchdog’s leadership.

The Italian data protection authority, known as the Garante, is one of the European Union’s most active enforcers of digital privacy rules and has frequently taken action against major technology companies. In recent years, it has fined and briefly banned OpenAI’s ChatGPT, blocked China’s DeepSeek chatbot over privacy concerns, and last week warned AI platforms, including Elon Musk’s Grok, about the risks of generating deepfake images without user consent.

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IMF Sees Global Economy Holding Firm Despite Trade and Geopolitical Shocks

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The International Monetary Fund’s upcoming growth forecasts are expected to show that the global economy remains resilient to trade disruptions, with overall performance still “fairly strong,” IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said in an interview with Reuters. Speaking during a visit to Kyiv, Georgieva indicated the IMF could slightly raise its projections again, following a recent upgrade by the World Bank.

In its October outlook, the IMF lifted its 2025 global growth forecast to 3.2%, citing a smaller-than-expected drag from U.S. tariffs, while keeping its 2026 estimate at 3.1%. Georgieva said the January update, due on January 19, would likely reinforce the message that trade shocks have not derailed global growth, even though risks remain tilted to the downside.

She cautioned that geopolitical tensions, rapid technological shifts and heavy investment in artificial intelligence pose potential threats if productivity gains fail to materialise. Georgieva also warned that many countries have not built sufficient financial buffers to handle future shocks, noting that the IMF is already running 50 lending programmes and may see demand rise if global conditions worsen.

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Rome Cuts Historic Centre Speed Limit to 30 kph to Boost Safety

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Rome has implemented a new 30 kph (19 mph) speed limit throughout its historic centre, joining other European capitals like London, Paris, and Brussels in efforts to make city streets safer. The reduced limit, nearly half of the previous 50 kph cap, aims to lower accidents and reduce pollution in areas crowded with cars, residents, and tourists. Authorities plan a gradual enforcement period of 30 days to help drivers adjust.

City transport chief Eugenio Patane emphasized that lower speeds save lives, noting that speeding contributes to 7.5% of road accidents in Rome. Similar initiatives in Bologna have shown promising results, with road accidents dropping 13% and fatalities falling by nearly 50% after introducing a 30 kph limit. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri has also expanded the number of speed cameras and encouraged alternatives to private cars to further improve safety and air quality.

Reactions among residents and drivers are mixed. Some, like scooter rider Barbara Barattolo, welcomed the change as a measure to reduce risks on busy streets. Others, including taxi driver Cristiano, criticized the limit as excessively low in certain areas. Authorities estimate the new regulation will cut noise levels in the city centre by around 2 decibels, addressing long-standing complaints about congestion and pollution.

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Ukraine Declares Energy Emergency as Winter Cold and Russian Strikes Batter Kyiv

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Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in its energy sector, particularly targeting Kyiv, as ongoing Russian attacks continue to leave thousands of residents without power amid harsh winter conditions. Overnight temperatures in the capital recently dropped to around -20°C, exacerbating the humanitarian impact of missile and drone strikes that disrupted electricity, heating, and water supplies. President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of deliberately exploiting the severe cold as part of its war strategy.

Following a special cabinet meeting, Zelensky announced the creation of a 24/7 task force to repair energy infrastructure and procure essential equipment from abroad. Emergency help points are being expanded across Kyiv to provide heat and power to residents, with a possible easing of the midnight curfew. The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy has been tasked with overseeing these emergency operations.

Russian attacks on energy systems have also affected south-eastern Ukraine, leaving over one million people without heating and water at times. Ukraine’s largest private energy provider, DTEK, reports constant strain from repeated waves of drone, cruise, and ballistic missile attacks, struggling to maintain power for 5.6 million Ukrainians as the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion approaches.

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Chiara Ferragni Acquitted in ‘Pandorogate’ Charity Cake Case

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Italian fashion influencer Chiara Ferragni has been acquitted of aggravated fraud charges, bringing to an end a two-year controversy over the promotion of charity-linked Christmas cakes and Easter eggs. A Milan court cleared Ferragni and two co-defendants after a fast-track trial, rejecting prosecutors’ claims that consumers had been deliberately misled. Conviction could have resulted in a prison sentence, but the judge ruled there was no aggravating fraud.

The case, dubbed “pandorogate,” stemmed from the 2022 sale of pink, special-edition pandoro cakes branded with Ferragni’s name and linked to a children’s hospital in Turin. While consumers believed proceeds would support the hospital, it later emerged the producer had made a one-off €50,000 donation before sales began. Ferragni, whose companies earned about €1 million from the promotion, later pledged to donate an equivalent amount to the hospital.

Although acquitted, Ferragni had previously faced a €1 million fine from Italy’s competition authority and agreed to further charity payments over similar claims involving Easter eggs. The scandal damaged her public image and personal life, including the breakdown of her marriage to rapper Fedez. It also prompted Italy to tighten transparency rules for influencers involved in fundraising initiatives.

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Italy Calls on Citizens to Leave Iran Amid Rising Security Risks

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Italy has renewed a strong appeal urging its citizens to leave Iran due to growing security concerns, the foreign ministry said on Wednesday. Around 600 Italians are currently in Iran, most of them based in Tehran, according to the ministry, which said the warning reflects the deteriorating situation in the country.

The appeal comes as Iran’s leadership struggles to contain its most serious domestic unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, amid rising international tensions. Tehran has sought to deter repeated threats of U.S. intervention voiced by President Donald Trump in support of anti-government protesters, adding to regional instability.

Italy’s foreign ministry also said precautionary measures were being taken to protect more than 900 Italian military personnel deployed across the region, including about 500 in Iraq and 400 in Kuwait. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani chaired a high-level meeting with diplomats, defence officials and intelligence representatives, reaffirming Italy’s condemnation of the violent repression of protests in Iran and what it described as serious human rights violations.

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Ukraine Accuses Former PM Tymoshenko in Alleged Vote-Bribery Scheme

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Ukrainian anti-corruption investigators have accused former prime minister and opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko of bribery, alleging her involvement in a vote-buying scheme, a source familiar with the case said on Wednesday. The accusation comes as part of a widening anti-graft crackdown that has shaken Ukraine’s political establishment. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) said it had served bribery charges to an opposition party leader without naming Tymoshenko directly.

According to NABU, the investigation uncovered a “systemic” scheme in which lawmakers allegedly received payments in exchange for voting instructions or abstentions. The bureau said the plan was not a one-off arrangement but a long-term mechanism involving advance payments and coordinated parliamentary behavior. Tymoshenko, a prominent figure of the 2004 Orange Revolution, denied all allegations and said in a social media post that she would defend herself in court.

The probe forms part of a broader anti-corruption drive that has ensnared senior officials and lawmakers across the political spectrum, amid Ukraine’s push to meet European Union standards. Tackling corruption is central to Kyiv’s EU accession ambitions, though recent high-profile cases have underscored the scale of the challenge. Tymoshenko, who served as prime minister in 2005 and from 2007 to 2010, now leads a smaller parliamentary faction, with her political influence having waned in recent years.

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Germany’s Finance Minister Urges “European Patriotism” to Safeguard Economy

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Germany’s finance minister Lars Klingbeil has called for a new era of “European patriotism” to protect the continent’s economic interests amid rising global tensions. Speaking at a lecture in Berlin, Klingbeil proposed that companies receiving state aid should be required to keep jobs within Europe and that public procurement policies should prioritise goods produced in the region.

Klingbeil said Europe must fundamentally rethink its economic strategy as traditional alliances weaken and trade becomes increasingly politicised. He argued that the transatlantic relationship is changing, pointing to signs that the United States is turning away from Europe both politically and culturally. At the same time, he warned that trade is being weaponised through subsidies, tariffs, export controls and industrial overcapacity, placing strain on Germany’s export-driven economy.

To address these challenges, Klingbeil outlined a strategy focused on strengthening European unity, diversifying trade ties beyond the United States and shielding European markets from unfair competition. He said Europe must become more sovereign and resilient, cautioning that relying solely on exports is no longer sufficient in a rapidly shifting global economic order.

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Hungary Opposition Party Tisza Extends Lead Over Orban Ahead of April Vote

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Hungary’s main opposition Tisza party has widened its lead over Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling Fidesz party, according to two opinion polls released on Wednesday, raising the stakes ahead of the April 12 parliamentary election. The vote marks the first time in years that Orban, who has been in power since 2010, faces a serious electoral challenge, with implications for both Hungary’s political direction and the wider European landscape.

A survey by pollster Median showed Tisza, led by former government insider Peter Magyar, extending its advantage over Fidesz to 12 percentage points among decided voters. Tisza was backed by 51% of voters, while support for Fidesz slipped to 39%. Median noted that while Tisza is mainly attracting voters from other opposition parties, Fidesz has struggled to regain ground despite economic incentives and efforts to rally voters around fears linked to the war in Ukraine.

A second poll by the Idea Institute also pointed to a strong showing for Tisza, placing it at 48% support—10 points ahead of Fidesz. Magyar has pledged to keep Hungary firmly anchored in the European Union and NATO while pursuing pragmatic ties with Russia, contrasting with Orban’s closer relations with Moscow and frequent clashes with Brussels. Apart from the two main rivals, only the far-right Our Homeland party is seen as having a realistic chance of entering parliament.

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Russia Detains Senior Doctors After Nine Newborn Deaths at Siberian Hospital

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Russian authorities have detained the chief doctor and the acting head of the intensive care unit at a maternity hospital in the Siberian city of Novokuznetsk after nine newborn babies died over a short period earlier this month. Investigators said the detentions are part of a criminal case into suspected negligence, with the deaths triggering widespread shock and public anger across the country.

The babies, born between December 1 and January 12, died during Russia’s extended New Year holiday at Hospital No. 1 in Novokuznetsk. Officials have not yet disclosed the exact causes of death, but the State Investigative Committee said the infants died due to the doctors’ improper performance of their professional duties while organising and providing medical care. Video released by investigators showed one suspect being led away in handcuffs.

Media reports said the hospital had a poor reputation and had received multiple warnings from health authorities in recent months. Personal accounts from mothers alleged serious medical failings, including lack of medicines and abusive behaviour by staff, though Reuters could not independently verify these claims. The tragedy has raised wider questions about healthcare standards in regional Russia and comes amid concerns over how such incidents undermine efforts to boost the country’s declining birth rate.

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