EU’s New Defense Funding Plan Faces Criticism and Challenges
On Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a new plan to fund Europe’s defense, called RearmEU. The plan, which will be presented to EU leaders, includes new financial resources and the reallocation of existing funds for military purposes. The key feature of the plan is the issuance of “eurobonds” to provide loans to member states, enabling them to boost defense production, aerospace, and cybersecurity. However, it has faced criticism for being cautious and limited. Critics, including some political parties, argue that shifting cohesion funds meant for regional development could harm Italy, which has struggled to fully utilize these resources. The plan allows for the repurposing of cohesion funds for military infrastructure, dual-use technologies, and research, but strict conditions apply. While it aims to reduce Europe’s dependence on the US, questions remain about whether these funds could be spent on US-made arms, thus increasing reliance on America.
Bruno Pizzul, Iconic Italian Sports Commentator, Dies at 86
Bruno Pizzul, one of Italy’s most famous sports commentators, has passed away at the age of 86. His death was confirmed by the Gorizia hospital, where he had been hospitalized. Pizzul became a beloved voice of Italian football, particularly known for his calm and modern style, succeeding Nando Martellini after the 1982 World Cup victory. He became especially recognized for his role in the 1990 World Cup, narrating Italy’s “notti magiche” (magic nights), and later covered multiple World Cups, including those in 1994, 1998, and 2002. A cultural figure in Italy, Pizzul was also involved in films and advertisements and continued to work on TV until recent years. Born in Udine, he joined Rai in 1969 after studying law, where he became a key commentator for various sports, including football, boxing, and rowing. His last football commentary was a 2002 friendly match against Slovenia.
Italy’s Job Market Hits Record, But Structural Issues Remain
Italy’s job market has reached new highs, with employment at record levels and unemployment dropping to 6.3%, the lowest since data began in 2004. The number of employed individuals reached 24.22 million in January 2024, driven by post-pandemic economic recovery and an aging population staying in the workforce longer. However, despite this growth, Italy continues to lag behind other European countries, holding the lowest employment rate in the EU. The country’s employment rate for women, at 53.5%, and for men, at 72%, are still below many other nations. A key issue is the high number of “inactive” individuals—those not working and not seeking employment—totaling 12.4 million, with a high inactivity rate, especially among women. Furthermore, despite the strong employment figures, wages remain chronically low, which some argue has kept hiring costs low for businesses but eroded workers’ purchasing power, adding to Italy’s ongoing challenges in addressing the fundamental issues in its labor market.
Pavia to Implement “City 30” Plan for Safer Streets
The city of Pavia, Lombardy, has announced a new “City 30” plan, set to reduce speed limits to 30 km/h on more streets in the coming months. Mayor Michele Lissia emphasized that the goal is to make the city more livable and safer, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. This initiative, already adopted in several European cities like Berlin, Barcelona, and Paris, has shown positive results, such as a 13.1% decrease in traffic accidents in Bologna after implementing similar measures. In Pavia, the first guidelines for the plan will be approved by summer, and the city will work to raise public awareness. Future steps include removing cars from sidewalks and squares to return these spaces to community use.
Martina Gentile Sentenced to Prison for Aiding Mafia Boss Messina Denaro
Martina Gentile, daughter of Laura Bonafede, a woman who had a long-term relationship with mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro, was sentenced to 4 years and 8 months in prison by the Palermo judge on Tuesday. After her prison term, she will be placed under supervised release for another year. Gentile, an educator, was found guilty of aggravated aiding and abetting and procuring the non-fulfillment of a sentence by assisting Messina Denaro during his 30-year fugitive period, from 1993 until his capture in 2023. Prosecutor Gianluca De Leo had previously requested an 8-year sentence for Gentile.
