Draghi’s European Parliament Speech: Urgency in Addressing Ukraine, Energy, and Economic Challenges
In his response at the European Parliament, Mario Draghi emphasized the critical moment the EU faces in defending its foundational values, warning that the comfortable world of the past is over. He stressed the importance of acting to safeguard peace, security, and sovereignty, particularly in light of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, and suggested that the EU might need to function more like a unified state. Draghi also highlighted the urgency of reducing energy prices, particularly for industries and advanced technologies, while ensuring that green jobs are preserved. On the economic front, he called for rapid action to address stagnation in the EU economy, urging a response proportional to the challenges, with significant investments required, estimating a need of 750-800 billion euros, and advocating for common debt issuance to facilitate these efforts.
Explosion Damages Maltese Tanker Seajewel in Suspicious Incident Off Savona
On the night between Friday and Saturday, the Maltese-flagged oil tanker Seajewel was damaged while anchored at the Vado Ligure mooring field, near Savona in Liguria. The explosion caused a one-meter-wide hole in the ship’s hull but did not breach its oil tank, preventing any spill. Suspicious elements, such as the ship’s previous mention in an investigation into Russia’s “ghost fleet,” and testimonies from the crew of hearing a loud explosion, suggest this may not have been an accident. Investigators now consider it a possible deliberate act and have opened a formal investigation into the incident, initially labeled as a shipwreck. Although a second explosion, likely underwater, was reported, no signs of explosive devices have yet been found. The tanker’s unloading operations have been halted for precautionary reasons.
Fratelli d’Italia Criticizes Guido Bertolaso Over First Assisted Suicide in Lombardy
Tensions have risen in Lombardy as members of Fratelli d’Italia have accused the Welfare Minister, Guido Bertolaso, of allowing the first assisted suicide in the region using a drug supplied by the national health service. The case involved a 50-year-old woman with progressive multiple sclerosis, who was granted permission to self-administer a lethal drug after a nine-month bureaucratic process. While Bertolaso has stated his willingness to resign, regional President Attilio Fontana has firmly defended him, stating that Bertolaso had no legal grounds to prevent the procedure, as it adhered to the constitutional ruling on assisted suicide from 2019. Despite political objections, experts argue that Bertolaso’s actions were in line with national law, which legalized assisted suicide, leaving the regional health authorities responsible for verifying eligibility.
Cyber Attack Paralyzes Alf DaFrè: Company Refuses Ransom, Seeks Government Aid
Between February 10 and 11, a group of cybercriminals attacked Alf DaFrè, a furniture company in Treviso, causing a major disruption in its production. The attackers used ransomware to lock 15% of the company’s servers and demanded a ransom in cryptocurrency. The company, which refused to pay, shut down its entire system to prevent further damage and protect unaffected data. As a result, production has been halted for over a week, forcing Alf DaFrè to request government assistance for its 350 employees through unemployment benefits. This attack highlights the growing trend of cyberattacks targeting not only large institutions but also small businesses, which may be more vulnerable and pressured to pay the ransom.
Gianmarco Tamberi Announces He’s Expecting a Baby
After reassuring fans about his athletic future during his Sanremo 2025 appearance, Gianmarco Tamberi shared a new piece of exciting news: he’s going to be a father. The Olympic champion posted a heartfelt video on Instagram with his wife Chiara Bontempi, showing her baby bump and ultrasound. “An indescribable emotion… To you, who are the most beautiful thing that could happen to us, we promise to give you all our love, every day, always,” he wrote. The couple, married in September 2022 after 13 years of dating, continues to receive congratulations from fans, with many expressing their joy over the pregnancy announcement.
