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Italy Monitors Damaged Russian LNG Tanker Drifting in Mediterranean

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Italian authorities are considering how to handle a damaged Russian liquefied natural gas tanker, Arctic Metagaz, which is drifting in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea after an alleged drone strike. The vessel, carrying LNG from Murmansk in northern Russia, was reportedly attacked by Ukrainian naval drones, though Ukraine has not claimed responsibility.

The tanker remains afloat between Malta and the Italian islands of Lampedusa and Linosa, with the Italian Navy and support vessels escorting it while monitoring the situation. All 30 crew members were evacuated after the attack, and officials say the ship’s hull is still intact, although it suffered significant damage above the waterline.

Italian officials are reluctant to allow the tanker to dock at their ports due to safety concerns, describing it as a potential hazard because of the gas it carries. Authorities are considering options, including having the ship’s Russian operator hire a specialist company to tow it away, while nearby countries continue to monitor the drifting vessel.

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Italy’s Meloni Criticises U.S.-Israeli Strikes on Iran

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday strongly criticised the U.S.-Israeli air strikes on Iran, calling them part of a dangerous global trend of unilateral interventions “outside the scope of international law.” Speaking to parliament, Meloni highlighted growing instability in the international system and compared the Middle East conflict to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, warning that such interventions could have wider destabilising effects on global security.

Meloni emphasised that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, citing the potential collapse of the international non-proliferation framework and the dramatic security risks it would pose to Italy and Europe. While most European nations have largely refrained from criticising the U.S. and Israel directly, Meloni’s remarks signal a firmer stance by Rome amid ongoing air strikes that have disrupted around one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies.

To protect strategic interests and Italian citizens in the region, Meloni noted that Italy is providing air-defense assets to Gulf allies affected by Iranian strikes. She stressed that the deployment also safeguards approximately 2,000 Italian soldiers stationed in the Gulf, reflecting Rome’s dual concern for regional security and the safety of its nationals abroad.

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Italy Misses 2025 Deficit Target, Pressure on PM Meloni

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Italy’s 2025 budget deficit came in at 3.1% of GDP, slightly above the European Union’s 3% ceiling, according to ISTAT. While lower than 2024’s 3.4%, the miss casts doubt on Rome’s plan to exit the EU’s Excessive Deficit Procedure early, which could have eased spending constraints ahead of the 2027 elections.

The eurozone’s third-largest economy grew by 0.5% in 2025, matching the government’s revised forecasts, though growth remains below 1% for the fourth consecutive year despite EU recovery funds. The 2026 deficit is targeted at 2.8%, with the government hoping for modest improvement amid lingering fiscal challenges.

Italy’s public debt also exceeded expectations, rising to 137.1% of GDP from 134.7% in 2024, above the government’s 136.2% target. With debt levels remaining the second-highest in the eurozone after Greece, the Meloni administration faces mounting pressure to control spending while promoting economic growth.

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Two Killed, Dozens Injured as Tram Derails in Central Milan

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Two people were killed and about 40 others injured after a tram derailed in central Milan on Friday, local firefighters said. The accident occurred on Vittorio Veneto street near the city’s Central Station, when one of the newest trams in operation came off the tracks and crashed into a shop window.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, deploying 13 ambulances to assist the injured. Civil protection teams set up a temporary tent nearby to provide medical support, according to eyewitness accounts. Images from the site showed rescue workers attending to passengers and securing the damaged area.

Milan’s public transport operator, Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (ATM), said it was “deeply shocked” by the incident and expressed sympathy for those affected. The company added it was cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of the derailment.

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St Francis of Assisi’s Remains Displayed to Public After 800 Years

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The bones of Francis of Assisi have gone on public display in Italy to commemorate 800 years since his death. The 13th-century saint’s skeleton is being exhibited at the lower church of the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in the central Italian town of Assisi. Preserved in a nitrogen-filled plexiglass case placed before the altar, the display has drawn global attention, with around 400,000 visitors reserving a viewing slot.

This marks only the second time the saint’s remains have been shown publicly, the first being a limited one-day viewing in 1978. Born in Assisi in 1181 or 1182, Francis renounced his wealth to live a life of poverty and service, founding the Franciscan Order. He is revered as the patron saint of animals and the environment, and his feast day is observed annually on 4 October, the date of his death in 1226.

The exhibition also holds special resonance following the death of Pope Francis last year, who chose his papal name in honour of the saint and sought to emulate his humility and compassion. Organisers have confirmed that the relics will remain on display until 22 March, offering pilgrims and visitors a rare opportunity to pay homage to one of Christianity’s most venerated figures.

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Italian Authorities Accuse Dog Owner of Training Pet to Illegally Dump Rubbish

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Authorities in Catania have accused a dog owner of training their pet to illegally dispose of rubbish along a roadside in the city’s San Giorgio district. Police released video footage showing a small dog calmly walking down the street carrying a bag of trash in its mouth before dropping it and walking away. The incident was reportedly recorded on two consecutive days.

Local officials said the repeated behavior suggests the animal had been deliberately trained to dump the waste so its owner could avoid being caught on surveillance cameras. Fly tipping is illegal in Italy, but authorities acknowledge it remains a persistent issue in many areas.

In response to ongoing dumping problems, municipal officials have increased the use of surveillance systems to identify offenders. In a statement posted on its official social media page, the Municipality of Catania said that “ingenuity can never become an alibi for incivility,” emphasizing that respect for the environment and urban rules is a shared responsibility. It remains unclear whether formal action has been taken against the dog’s owner.

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Macron and Meloni Clash Over Killing of French Far-Right Activist in Lyon

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French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni exchanged sharp criticism following the killing of a French far-right activist, Quentin Deranque, who died after being beaten during protests in Lyon. French prosecutors confirmed that seven people will face murder charges, including an assistant linked to the far-left party France Unbowed (LFI), while several others were arrested in connection with the incident. The case has sparked outrage in France and intensified political tensions.

Meloni described the killing as a tragedy caused by groups connected to left-wing extremism, calling it a “wound for all of Europe.” Her comments drew a strong response from Macron, who accused nationalist leaders of interfering in other countries’ internal matters. Speaking during a visit abroad, Macron directly confirmed his criticism was aimed at Meloni, underscoring ongoing ideological divisions between the two leaders on broader European political issues.

The killing has fueled political fallout within France, damaging the reputation of left-wing groups while providing an opportunity for far-right parties to highlight concerns over extremist violence. One suspect accused of helping instigate the attack has been placed in pre-trial detention, though he denies responsibility for the fatal blows. Meloni’s office later expressed surprise at Macron’s remarks, emphasizing that her comments were intended to convey sympathy and concern over the violent death.

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Italy’s “Lovers’ Arch” Collapses Into Sea on Valentine’s Day

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A famous natural rock formation known as “Lovers’ Arch” collapsed into the sea on Valentine’s Day after days of heavy rain and strong winds in southern Italy. The arch, located at Sant’Andrea in Melendugno, Puglia, was a popular landmark on the Adriatic coast and a favored spot for wedding proposals and photos.

Melendugno’s mayor, Maurizio Cisternino, described the collapse as “an unwanted Valentine’s Day gift,” calling it a heavy blow for local tourism. Authorities believe the severe weather brought by Storm Oriana accelerated long-term erosion, leading to the sudden failure of the rock formation, which passers-by noticed missing on Sunday morning.

Regional president Antonio Decaro said the loss marked the disappearance of a symbolic feature of the coast and highlighted the urgent need to slow coastal erosion. The arch stood in the Salento, one of Italy’s most visited tourist areas, underscoring concerns about how extreme weather is increasingly reshaping vulnerable coastal landscapes.

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Italy Approves Naval Blockades to Curb Migrant Arrivals

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Italy’s cabinet has approved a bill allowing naval blockades to stop migrant boats during periods of “exceptional pressure” at its borders. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in office since 2022, has already introduced measures to accelerate repatriation of failed asylum seekers and impose stricter penalties on human smugglers, aiming to reduce sea crossings.

Under the draft legislation, the government could ban vessels from entering Italian waters for up to six months in cases of serious threats to public order or national security. Fines of up to €50,000 and potential confiscation of boats would target repeated violations, including charity-operated rescue ships. Meloni’s coalition argues that such rescue operations encourage migrants to attempt perilous sea journeys.

The bill has faced criticism from the center-left opposition, who call the approach repressive and ineffective. The move aligns with recent EU asylum rule changes allowing member states to reject applications from migrants who could have sought protection in a “safe” EU country, reflecting broader European efforts to tighten immigration controls.

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Milan Protests Turn Violent as Police Arrest Demonstrators During Winter Olympics

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Italian police arrested six people after clashes erupted between security forces and protesters in Milan during demonstrations against the Winter Olympic Games. Thousands gathered in the city on Saturday to oppose the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics and protest rising living costs. While most marched peacefully, some demonstrators threw stones and fireworks at police, prompting officers to respond with water cannon. The unrest followed a violent protest in Turin last week in which more than 100 police officers were injured.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the protests, calling those opposing the Olympics “the enemy of Italy” and accusing them of damaging the country’s global image. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini labelled the rioters “criminals” and defended a newly adopted security package that allows police to detain suspected troublemakers for up to 12 hours before demonstrations. The measures were fast-tracked after last week’s Turin clashes, though critics have described them as repressive.

Authorities are also investigating suspected sabotage on northern Italy’s rail network, which caused major travel disruptions on Saturday. Fires, severed cables and a rudimentary explosive device were discovered near key rail hubs including Bologna and Pesaro, delaying trains for hours. The transport ministry described the incidents as acts of sabotage, while rail operator RFI said services have since returned to normal as the Winter Olympics continue across multiple venues until 22 February.

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