Britsh prime minister Gordon Brown
(c) Nancy Ohanian

Why Sometimes Pays to Be Like Gordon Brown
by William Pfaff

Flamboyance of the Latin kind gets you into the newspapers, but for bad reasons as well as good.

Nicolas Sarkozy of France is not a man noted for charm but for his unchecked energies and the restless activity. Italy's Silvio Berlusconi is another matter entirely. He is a success in politics apparently because the majority of Italians like him.

Indeed, sometimes pays to be a nondescript politician like Gordon Brown of Britain.

 

Hertz acquires Rent One Italy
The equipment rental unit of Hertz Global Holdings Inc.has acquired Rent One Italy a company that provides power generation equipment to telecom and event companies in Italy Hertz announced. Rent One Italy is one of the top power generation companies providing power to telecom and event companies throughout Italy.Headquartered in Casole...

Italy targets tax evasion
The Italian Revenue Agency said a cross-border stock lending scheme has been used by Italian companies and individuals to evade taxes.It involved the lending of shares utilizing foreign companies in eastern Europe and the islands of Madeira.More than 200 small and medium-sized Italian companies concentrated in the Lombardia Emilia Romagna...

Ferrero to set up second chocolate unit in India
Italian confectionery giant Ferrero recently revealed that it was moving ahead with plans for a new production facility in India. A recent communiqué from the $8 billion company revealed that the new facility would be based in the west-Indian state of Maharashtra and would involve an investment of over $125...

Public debt down €5 billion in June
The latest figures from the Bank of Italy showed that the countrys public debt one of the largest in the world fell more than €5 billion in June to €1.821 trillion from a record €1.827 trillion in May. Italys public debt last year was equal to 115.8% of gross domestic...

Lavazza to buy stake in Green Mountain Coffee Roasters
Italian coffee maker Lavazza recently unveiled plans of stepping further into the US market with a $250 million buy-out local reports revealed. The company recently agreed to buy a 7% stake in Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc as part of its expansion plan in the US. The two companies will...

Austerity measures clear first parliament hurdle
Italys upper house of parliament the Senate on 15 July approved the conservative governments €25-billion austerity package despite considerable opposition to the cuts voiced in recent weeks. Even some members of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconis coalition government had protested the cuts. In a bid to ensure that the unpopular measures received...

Fiat to move Panda production to Italy
Italy still is the preferred location for carmaker Fiat. Despite an unresolved labor dispute the company would spend €700 million to move production of its new Panda compact from Poland to a plant near Naples a recent Fiat statement revealed. However observers noted that the project was a gamble because...

Inflation falls in June
As the economic recovery failed to gain momentum and the cost of food and health care declined Italian consumer price inflation eased for the second straight month in June beating economists expectation for a stable rate. The consumer price index including tobacco rose at a slower annual pace of 1.3%...

Alfa Romeo to sell 500 000 cars annually by 2014
Alfa Romeo wants to sell five times more cars then in 2009 by 2014. Harald Wester an official of the Fiat subsidiary was quoted as saying by the press that by 2014 Alfa Romeo will be able to sell a total of 500 000 units per year. The Italian official...

Fiat workers vote for conditions to revive plant
Workers at Fiats factory in Pomigliano dArco overwhelmingly approved the companys terms to keep the plant running by boosting production there. Turnout for 22 June vote was 95% with 63% of Pomigliano employees voting in favor of the accord and 36% opposed. Fiat has yet to release a statement on...

Italys Tubigomma enters North American market
Tubigomma Deregibus SRL an Italian specialty hose manufacturer recently inked an agreement to sell its products in North America starting with lines for the food and beverage industries. The company has entered into a deal with CRP Industries Inc to distribute its products. The Italian firm started shipping its goods...

Siemens receives order for photovoltaic plant
The energy division of the German engineering conglomerate Siemens Energy last week announced that it had received an order from Italy for a photovoltaic plant with a peak output of 15 MW. The customer is Ital Green Energy a subsidiary of the Marseglia Group. The San Donaci solar power plant...

EU court throws out digital-TV appeal from Mediaset
The European Unions court on 15 June threw out an appeal from a digital-TV company owned by the family of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi ordering it and other broadcasters to pay back possibly millions of euros in illegal state aid. Berlusconi a media baron turned politician has regularly been accused...

Union turns down Fiats investment terms
One of Italys main labor unions on 14 June refused to agree on a plan allowing Fiat SpA to invest in a factory in southern Italy. Its not possible to sign this document unless Fiat makes concessions Maurizio Landini the secretary general of FIOM the steelworker chapter of the CGIL...

GDF Suez E.ON explore Italy nuclear sector
Frances GDF Suez and Germanys E.ON recently agreed to jointly explore opportunities in Italys nuclear sector. The Italian nuclear power sector is expected to grow as the government wants it to provide a quarter of the countrys energy needs. E.ON and GDF Suez will examine all the key issues related...

Power demand up 0.7% in May says Terna
In May Italian power demand shot up by 0.7% year-on-year to 26 billion kilowatt hours grid operator Terna informed on 7 June. The May increase followed a 3% rise in April to 24.8 billion kilowatt hours and continued the trend in recent months towards a slow recovery in demand. Demand...

Austerity budget draws mixed reactions
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi recently defended the freshly adopted public spending cuts that aim to curtail the governments deficit by €24 billion in 2011-12. The austerity plan stemmed from demands made by the European Union on member states that have been living beyond their means Berlusconi said. Italys conservative...

Producer price inflation accelerates in April
The latest official data showed Italys producer prices continued to rise for a third consecutive month in April driven by both internal and external prices rises. The total producer price index or PPI rose 3.1% year-on-year. That was the highest increase since October 2008 when prices were up 4.1%. In...

Berlusconi rules out sale of AC Milan
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is not disposing AC Milan local media reported last week. The premier recently officially denied the reports claiming that the business tycoon turned politician was planning to sell the club. Italian media had reported that Russian gas company Gazprom was considering buying a 30% stake...

EA to generate 200 new Galway jobs
Computer gaming company Electronic Arts is to establish a customer service and operations centre in Galway RTE Ireland reported. The new operation is expected to generate 200 jobs in the city by the end of next year the company told the stock market this morning. The new centre in...

Enel might invest in Bulgarian NPP
Italian energy major Enel is interested in investing in Bulgarias nuclear plant project local media reported last week citing a recennt comment of Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov. The premier made the revelation during his recent visit to the Italian capital. Following his meeting with his Italian counterpart Silvio Berlusconi Borisov...

New water law dries up financing says Dexia
Uncertainty over concessions and regulations stipulated in the new liberalization legislation the Ronchi decree is affecting financing of Italys water development projects Dexia Crediop said in a recent statement. The decree approved in November calls on local authorities to tender water service concessions starting 2011 with a view to breaking...

OSCE notes Kazakhs aiding Afghanistan
The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Kazakhstans Secretary of State and Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev discussed on 17 May in Kabul initiatives to strengthen Afghanistans borders with Central Asian states enhance the countrys law enforcement capacities and develop co-operation on combating drug trafficking as well as how the OSCE could contribute to the...

India Kazakhstan to sign pacts on nuclear energy
Visiting External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and Kazakhstan Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev recently had a meeting Astana. Krishna is accompanied among others by Latha Reddy Secretary East in the Ministry and Jawahar Sircar Secretary Ministry of Culture. The business delegation includes representatives of companies such as the Tatas Sun...

Three companies to launch fibre optic grid
Italys former telecommunication sector monopoly Telecom Italia looks set to loose ground further to market competitions. Recent reports revealed that three major telecom groups Vodafone Group Plc Fastweb and Wind reached an agreement to build a fibre optic network in the country. The new network reportedly to be worth around...

Ethiopia Italy sign grant agreement
The Italian government recently inked a grant agreement with Ethiopia amounting to 6.15 million Euro local media reports revealed last week. Ethiopias Finance and Economic Development State Minister Ahmed Shide and Italian Ambassador to Ethiopia Raffaele de Lutio inked the document. According to reports from Addis Ababa the Ethiopian capital...

Saipem wins major Abu Dhabi contracts
An Italian provider of oilfield services Saipem SpA recently bagged about $3.5 billion in contracts for gas processing and sulfur recovery at a field in Abu Dhabi local media reports revealed last week citing anonymous sources. The company Europes biggest provider of oilfield services by market value reportedly won three...

Unemployment rises in March on jobless recovery
The latest figures released by the Italian statistical agency Istat showed Italian unemployment rose in March to the highest since at least 2004 as the recovery in Europes fourth-biggest economy failed to generate enough momentum boosting job creation. Istat initially reported that Februarys jobless rate was 8.5%. As manufacturers boosted...

SunEdison plans expansion in Italy sets financing
SunEdison is set to add to its portfolio 12 new solar parks in the province of Lecce Apulia in Italy a statement from the company revealed last week. The company a division of Memc Electronic Materials Inc also announced that it had already secured a €47 million financing deal with...

A new Radisson Blu opens in Italy
A 250-room Radisson Blu Hotel recently took off in Milan marking the first step in northern Italy for the Rezidor Hotel Group. The property in the north Italian city previously operated as the Chedi Milan. This is Rezidors second Radisson Blu and indeed its second property overall in Italy; hotel...

Italys economy to grow by 0.5 %
A recent evaluation of the Italian economy by ratings agency Standard Poors estimated that Italian economy would experience a 0.5% growth this year. The figure was down from SPs previous forecast of 0.7%. The predicted growth would pick up next year and climb to percentage but would be half the...

ENI profit rises 17% on higher production prices
ENI SpA the Italian energy major recently posted it first quarter figures reporting a 17% surge in profits attributed principally to increased production and higher crude prices. ENI said that net profit in the first quarter of this year was €2.2 billion up from €1.9 billion a year ago. CEO...

E.ON halts Italy gas network sale
German energy giant E.ON recently dropped plans to sell its gas pipelines in Italy after failing to receive any suitable bids and said it would continue to operate the network itself. The dpa-AFX financial news agency quoted the Dusseldorf company saying it had been in talks with potential buyers to...

Fiat unveils 5-year strategic plan
Italian car giant Fiat unveiled on 21 April details of a five-year strategic plan including the by-year-end separation of its auto business from its construction and truck business. Fiat chief executive officer Sergio Marchionne outlined details of the 2010-14 strategy during a six-hour investors conference at the Turin-based companys headquarters. Earlier...

Italy Yemen discuss investment opportunities
The Italian and Yemeni officials recently held talks over investment opportunities and facilities provided by the Aden Free Zone AFZ local media reported. The talks included the Chairman of the AFZ Abdul-Jalil al-Shoaiby the commercial attaché in Italian embassy in Sanaa Bernadette Gravili and chairman of the Italian International Company....

Piracy causes 185 000 lost jobs in Italy
Pirated films television programs music and computer software has resulted in some 185 000 lost jobs in Italy according to a recent report published by the Italian industrial union Confindustria on 19 April. The Confindustria report came just days after Fapev the audiovisual anti-piracy group called on Telecom Italia the...

Italy needs to speed up tax reform
If the Italian government aims at enhancing the national economy some stringent and practical measures needs to be adopted which must include immediate government action on tax reductions a recent business conference in Parma suggested. The conference was held by Confindustria the Italian Business Federation. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi...

Etrion to acquire Deutsche Bank solar assets in Italy
A Canadian energy company Etrion Corporation recently inked a definitive sale and purchase agreement to acquire a portfolio of Deutsche Bank solar assets in Italy for €10.3 million plus a contingent deferred payment of €1.5 million an Etrion statement read. The Deutsche Bank assets being acquired include 6 megawatts of...

Berlusconi inks deal with Brazil
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi signed a broad strategic cooperation deal on 12 April in Washington. The deal would promote dialogue at the highest level between Brazil and Italy on issues including poverty the environment nuclear non-proliferation and organization of major events...

ENRC hikes capital expenditure for 2010
Kazakhstan based mining group Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation Plc announced an increase in its 2010 capital expenditure from USD 1.15 billion in 2009 to USD 1.5 billion including USD 0.4 billion for capital repairs Gazeta.kz reported. This year the company reviewed its capital expenditure projects and reflected both improved confidence...

Military Cooperation talks held with US
Kazakhstans Secretary of State - Minister of Foreign Affairs Kanat Saudabayev met Commander of the U.S. Central Command Gen. David Petraeus. They discussed further strengthening and expanding the Kazakh-U.S. strategic partnership with military cooperation as one of its major directions including efforts on stabilizing Afghanistan. They also noted the importance...

Government allocates €420 million to boost economy
The Italian government allocated €420 million through a special decree aimed at supporting the countrys slow economic recovery. It said that €300 million will go in incentives to boost internal consumption levels €70 million in fiscal drags for the textile sector and €50 million to support the aerospace naval industry...

Acta and SPF Energy to install PV plant in Italy
Clean energy products and environmental catalysts provider Acta has signed a preliminary contract with SPF Energy for the installation of photovoltaic parks in Italy. The installations will be carried out through a joint venture partnership with Fedi Impianti a photovoltaic installation company. The preliminary contract agrees to the development installation...

Berlusconi launches a charm offensive ahead of elections
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on 17 March launched a charm offensive through media ads ahead of key regional elections. He has said the elections in 13 of Italys 20 regions on 28-29 March will be a key barometer of his centre-right coalitions performance since he returned to power for...

Sex scandals take a heavy toll on Berlusconi: record low ratings
For years Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been able to shake off his playboy image and obsession with being surrounded by young nubile women and putting them on his partys list of candidates but a survey now show that Italians are tiring of his antics. Support for Berlusconi has...

EU court says Naples rubbish crisis was Italys fault
The Italian government is to blame for the 2007 crisis which saw thousands of tons of domestic rubbish piling up on the streets of Naples and in the Campania region because it did not set up adequate systems to deal with it the European Union court said in a recent...

Rome airport experiments with the see-through body-scanner
Romes international airport recently became the first in Italy to introduce a body-scanner machine for US-bound flights. The controversial security equipment would be in use for some six weeks on an experimental basis officials at the Leonardo Da Vinci airport said. Airports in Milan and Venice that also operate flights...

Fastweb founder makes fast getaway from alleged scam
Italian authorities recently issued an arrest warrant for the founder of Telecommunications Company Fastweb along with dozens of others suspected of involvement in a massive international money laundering scam. Silvio Scaglia who in 2007 sold his remaining stake in Fastweb to Swisscom is believed to be abroad. A billionaire entrepreneur...

Dont touch that dial Italy reins in Pay TV ads
The Italian government recently put a new set of rules in place to regulate the amount of advertising that can be carried on pay TV as well as the inclusion of product placement in TV shows. According to observers the new regulations would reduce the amount of advertising per hour...

Italys treasury won big and lost - in swaps streak
While Greece is being investigated for using currency swaps to hide its deficit Italy used the same method to reap big dividends European Union statistics show. In an eight year span running from 1998 to 2006 the Italian coffer bagged 8.1 billion euros $10.9 billion from interest-rate and currency swap...

Italy News - New Europe News
Italy News - New Europe News: The European News Source.

 

Eat like a local in Rome
In a city where the recipes often predate the buildings, Rome's best meals are marvelously simple. We unearth five quintessential trattorias where the cucina romana is home-cooked, the company is homegrown and the owners are happy (enough) to have you.

Train derailment kills 1 and hurts 40 in Italy
A train derailed outside of Naples, Italy, Friday, killing one person and leaving about 40 injured, a railroad service spokesman said.

Hundreds sought in Italian crime syndicate crackdown
Police fanned out across Italy Tuesday on a major crackdown on the crime syndicate, the 'Ndrangheta, prosecutors said.

Italy has most bank robberies in Europe, study finds
Italy has the highest rate of bank robberies in Europe, an Italian study said this week.

Europe's top court hears school crucifix case
Italy pushed back Wednesday against a European court ruling that crucifixes in classrooms violate students' right to freedom of religion and education.

My favorite place: Danny DeVito
"My family comes from San Fele, in southern Italy, and growing up in Asbury Park, New Jersey, my house was always filled with relatives from the old country --sleeping in chairs, eating, and drinking my uncle's homemade red wine.

Verona, Italy: City of romance
About two hours from bustling Milan and touristy Venice is Verona -- a welcome sip of pure, easygoing Italy. Made famous by Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, Verona is Italy's fourth-most-visited city and second in the Veneto region only to Venice in population and artistic importance. If you don't need world-class sights, this town is a joy.

Gold-dispensing ATMs: Coming to a city near you
As economic fears drive gold prices to new highs, the creator of a gold-dispensing ATM is attracting attention around the globe.

Environmental crisis plagues Southern Italy
Recently, VBS headed to Naples, the capital of the Campania region in southern Italy, to shoot two documentaries about the Camorra, the most powerful but least understood of the Italian crime cartels.

Woman fined for face-covering veil
A woman in Italy has been fined €500 ($653) for wearing a veil that covered a large part of her face, in violation of a local ordinance, an official in Novara, Italy, said Tuesday.

Nine dead in Italy train derailment
A train derailment in northern Italy has killed nine people, Italy's Civil Protection office said Monday.

What's new in Venice and Rome
Rome and Venice are two of my favorite cities. But to enjoy these classic destinations fully, you need to be prepared for changes in 2010. Knowing about a few recent developments will make your visit smoother this year.

TV chef dropped for cat recipe comments
Italy's state-owned television broadcaster has dropped a popular chef for sharing a recipe with viewers to cook cat.

Migrants leave Italian town amid violence
The message blaring out of the speakers on the van was stark: "Any black person who is hiding in Rosarno should get out. If we catch you, we will kill you."

Two Gitmo detainees transferred to Italy
Two Tunisian detainees whom the U.S. military had held at Guantanamo Bay have been turned over to the Italian government in Rome, the Justice Department announced.

Plane crashes in northern Italy, 5 dead
Five people were killed Monday in a military plane crash in northern Italy, the Italian Air Force said.

Italy convicts 'U.S. agents' in CIA kidnap trial
Nearly two dozen Americans -- most thought to work for the CIA -- were sentenced to five years in prison Wednesday by an Italian court for their role in the seizing of a suspected terrorist in Italy in 2003, the prosecutor in the case told CNN.

Italy vows to fight for classroom crucifixes
The Italian government is vowing to fight a European court ruling that crucifixes in classrooms violate students' right to freedom of religion.

Death toll from Italy mudslides now 21
The death toll from the mudslides on the Italian island of Sicily now stands at 21, the head of Italian Civil Protection said Saturday.

Poll: Money worries world's greatest cause of stress
A new international poll has revealed that money is the main source of stress in most countries --- but men and women often don't worry about the same things.

Soldiers' bodies returned to Italy as Afghan bomb toll rises
The number of people killed in a car bombing in Afghanistan's capital rose to 26, including six Italian soldiers, Afghan authorities said Saturday.

World Soccer: Serie A unwilling to drop veterans to find new talent
What do the following have in common: keeper Vincenzo Fiorillo (Sampdoria), fullback Francesco Renzetti (Genoa), center-half Giuseppe Bellusci (Catania), midfielders Fabio Sciacca (Catania) and Andrea Poli (Sampdoria), and strikers Abel Hernández (Palermo), Guido Marilungo (Sampdoria) and Alberto Paloschi (Parma)?

75 African migrants feared drowned off Italy
Up to 75 migrants are missing and feared dead after a harrowing 20-day journey from northern Africa to Europe, a United Nations agency said Friday.

What is man's greatest achievement?
Fire, the wheel and even cup noodles were among the varied answers to the question posed by CNN: "What is man's greatest achievement?"

Italy: 6 ways to spend the night
Farmstays, villa rentals, mountain refuges. Six ways to immerse yourself in the real Italy.

Italy train explosion kills at least 15
The death toll climbed to 15 on Wednesday in western Italy after a cargo train loaded with liquefied petroleum caused an explosion, civil protection agency officials said, warning more victims could be found.

Madonna Donates Money to Italian Earthquake Victims
"I am happy to lend a helping hand to the town that my ancestors are from," Madonna tells PEOPLE

Italy quake worker: 'It's hard to deal with'
An emergency worker fought back tears amid the rubble of Italy's deadliest earthquake in decades. Helicopters buzzed overhead, and sirens echoed across the region.

Survivor rescued 42 hours after Italian quake
A woman was pulled alive from the rubble of the Italian earthquake late Tuesday -- 42 hours after it smashed central Italy, according to CNN eyewitness accounts and Italian emergency medical staff.

Italian media: Quake kills 20
A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck central Italy early Monday, killing 20 people, including four children, Italian media reported.

Melting glaciers force Italy, Swiss to redraw border
Melting glaciers in the Alps may prompt Italy and Switzerland to redraw their borders near the Matterhorn, according to parliamentary draft legislation being readied in Rome.

Tim Vickery: Brazil can't let its results in friendlies go to its head
There's a lesson soccer teaches again and again: Never place too much importance on the results of friendlies. They can be very deceptive, and they're always forgotten once the competitive action gets underway.

Comatose woman in euthanasia debate dies
An Italian woman who had been in a coma for 17 years and whose right-to-die case was being debated in the Italian Parliament has died days after doctors began removing her feeding tube.

Dodge the crowds at Italy's most famous sights
Travelers to Italy need to be smart to avoid needless lines and expenses while enjoying its ever-popular treasures. Major sights in Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan are evolving for 2009.

Italian police arrest suspects for alleged terror plot
Italian police Tuesday arrested two Moroccans suspected of preparing a series of terrorist attacks near Milan in northern Italy, the police announced.

Bandits kidnap Catholic nuns in Kenya
Italy's foreign minister is working with Kenyan authorities to secure the release of two Italian nuns, who were kidnapped Monday by suspected Somalian bandits, according to the foreign ministry in Rome.

Tiny, charming island offers taste of pure Italy
The charm of Ventotene is apparent the moment you spot it from the boat transporting you to its shores. Sitting there like a lonely sponge cake protruding from the surface of a clear blue plate, the island's sheer size -- or lack thereof -- promises something not only special but personal.

Police arrest suspects in Mafia killings
Italian authorities Tuesday arrested two suspects believed to be responsible for the September 18 killing of six African immigrants in Castelvolturno, a small town of 20,000 residents north of Naples.

The Screening Room's top 10 Italian films
Over the last few weeks, there has been a definite Italian flavor pervading "The Screening Room" offices.

Italy Using Soldiers to Fight Crime
Hundreds of soldiers were deployed Monday in cities across Italy as part of government measures to fight street crime

Naples: Italy in the extreme
All my life, Naples has been the symbol of chaos, stress and culture shock for European travel.

For overseas travel, domestic phones are the best bet
The world may indeed be flat, and we all might be competing in a global village. But that doesn't mean we here in the small-biz world can make a cheap, reliable international phone call.

Hiking Italy's Amalfi Coast
Eleven hundred and six steep, stone steps that never seem to end.

"Unicorn" Deer Found in Italy
A deer with a single horn in the center of its head -- much like the fabled, mythical unicorn -- has been spotted in a nature preserve in Italy

Atheists caught having sex in cathedral
A man and a woman have been charged by police in Italy after they were found having sex in a confession box, it was reported Wednesday.

World Soccer: Buffon admits Italy is up against the odds -- again
Italy not even make it out of its group? Azzurri keeper Gianluigi Buffon has his doubts at the European Championship, as Italy is in the toughest group. But Gigi and his mates have been in tougher spots: No one expected them to win the 2006 World Cup, either -- and they did so without conceding a single goal (save for one own-goal). World Soccer's Kevin Danton chats with Italy's stone-walling netminder.

Translation software still fails - badly
My public relations agency, NettResults, based in Irvine, Calif., and Dubai, employs 18 people speaking a total of nine languages. Through a partner, we work with 58 other agencies in 26 countries. So I was excited to test three new language-translation software suites: If they worked, I could e-mail clients myself and cut down on the pricey human translators we use every day.

Italian police crack down on immigrants
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi appears to be making good on his promise to deal with crime and immigration, launching a nationwide police sweep just weeks after taking office.

Trash crisis lands Italy in legal strife
Italy faces legal action over the waste crisis that has left piles of garbage rotting on the streets around the southern city of Naples.

Medieval moments in Siena, Italy
Siena seems to be every Italy connoisseur's pet town. More than a sum of places to see, Siena itself is the sight. Grab a gelato, join in the evening stroll, and end up at the town's glorious red brick main square, Il Campo. Lean up against a pillar as the setting sun plays games with the colors of the stone and the sky. At twilight, first-time poets savor that magic moment when the sky turns into a rich blue dome as bright as the medieval tower that holds it high.

Italy truck strike ends -- for now
A strike by Italian truck drivers that has caused shortages of food, fuel and medicine across the country has ended -- at least for now.

Italy terrorism raids: 20 arrested
Police made a string of arrests across Europe Tuesday, detaining 20 people suspected of involvement in the recruitment of suicide bombers, Italian police said.

Euro: Italy rallies to beat Turkey in overtime
MADRID, Spain (AP) -- Marco Belinelli scored six of his 17 points in overtime Monday to help Italy beat Turkey 84-75 at the European Basketball Championship.

Va Fangul!... And Have a Nice Day
Italy's high court rules that an infamous obscenity is merely an expression of annoyance.

Richard O'Brien: Italy's wild ride
Editor's note: We asked SI.com writers to share their memories from the best game they've ever seen. Here are their stories:

Sauerkraut in Italy's Alps
Its German-speaking residents call the Italian town of Castelrotto "Kastelruth." Tucked away in the Dolomites, the Alps of northern Italy, it's my favorite hideaway in the Italian "South Tirol." This region offers Italy a strong dash of German culture. My chalet -- sturdy as a bomb shelter, yet warmly woody -- comes with a generously fluffy down comforter and serious German plumbing: Ka-chunk ... ahhhh.

Experiencing Rome's culture 'in situ'
Throughout Italy, early evening is a time to stroll. As I walk through the streets of the Eternal City with my Roman friends, they explain the ritual of this promenade: While elsewhere in Italy it's called the passeggiata, in Rome it's a cruder, big-city version called the struscio (which means "rub").

Luxury, Italian style
There are few cultures as dedicated to the art of fine living as Italy's. Don't believe it? Think of endless, 14-course lunches and dinners, often eaten on seemingly endless Italian vacations; think of the fabulous decadence of La Dolce Vita; think about the best pair of shoes you have ever seen.

Italy blocks trial of CIA agents
The Italian government has moved to block the trial of 26 Americans, mostly CIA agents, in connection with the alleged kidnapping of a Muslim cleric more than four years ago.

Where's the soul?
VERONA, Italy -- I've been to plenty of MLS games that had 9,000 fans rattling around inside an NFL stadium, but I can't say that I've ever witnessed a soccer match featuring some of the world's best players competing before a paid audience of zero.

'Terrorist cell' arrests in Italy
In a series of morning raids, Italian military police arrested five Algerians for their alleged affiliation with a terrorist group, authorities said Friday.

Italy on the cheap
Vacationing in Italy this past winter was in high demand thanks to the Olympics in Turin. But now that the games are over and before the summer crowds descend, bargains abound.

Deadly bird flu spreads in Europe
The deadly H5N1 bird flu strain that has killed at least 88 people around the world has been detected in Italy and Greece, according to officials.

Italy arrests terror suspects
Italy's military police have detained three Algerian nationals believed to be connected to a militant group with ties to al Qaeda, authorities said.

Priests probed in child sex case
Authorities in Italy say three Roman Catholic priests are among the 186 people under investigation in connection with an Internet pedophilia ring.

Italy, U.S. differ on shooting of Italian agent
The United States and Italy failed to come to the same conclusions in the investigation of the shooting death of an Italian intelligence agent at a U.S. Army checkpoint in Baghdad last month, officials said Friday.

Judge sparks terror ruling row
Italy's justice ministry has sent inspectors to Milan to question a judge who dropped international terrorism charges against five North Africans earlier this week.

Italy train crash kills 13
At least 13 people have been killed and another 50 injured when two trains collided in heavy fog in northern Italy, according to medical officials.

Fast times for 'slow food'
It's autumn in Italy, when even soccer fans become preoccupied with something more important: food.

Italy 'vigilant' on terror threats
An Italian official has reiterated his government's vigilance over threats by terror groups angry at Italy's troop presence in Iraq.

Italy: 'Sudanese' refugees lied
Italian authorities say some of the 37 African immigrants who landed in Sicily after a three-week standoff in the Mediterranean appear to have lied about coming from Sudan's war-ravaged Darfur region.

Italy U-turn as refugee ship docks
Italy has allowed 37 African shipwreck victims to disembark from a German humanitarian aid ship after a three-week standoff in the Mediterranean.

Fence divides neighboring towns
The border between Italy and Slovenia is barely visible here. Neighboring rooftops sit in two different towns in two different countries.

Terror attacks leave Italy on edge
A series of recent police raids and arrests suggest the Italian government remains concerned about the possibility that Italy may be the next terror target.

Italy transport workers on strike
Italian bus, train and metro workers have gone on strike in various cities on Friday, disrupting transport for a second day in a row over demands for better pay.

HOW DO I WOO WORKERS? ...GOT ANY STARTUP MONEY? ...AND OTHER QUERIES
Dear Annie: I am an engineer and manager in a smokestack industry, and I'm considering a promotion to a job where all the people who will be reporting to me came up through the ranks and are wary o...

DYNASTIES SLEEP WITH THE FISHES
Italy is saying arrivederci to its old ingrown way of doing business. For decades, a few powerful Northern families have dominated many huge corporations, as the Agnellis do Fiat, while a giant sta...

FORTUNE'S GLOBAL 500 RANKED WITHIN INDUSTRIES
As they did last year, American corporations ranked No. 1 in sales in 14 of the 25 industry groups we survey. Profits were something else. General Motors not only remains the largest company in the...

ITALY THRIVES AMID SCANDAL
Top executives or directors of companies that account for about 20% of Italy's GNP are now under investigation for kickbacks, falsifying accounts, or illicit funding of political parties. Four dire...

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK IN ITALY
La vita e dolce for U.S. tourists headed for Italy this summer. Despite the dollar's recent wobbles, Europe's currencies are still weaker in comparison with last August. Italy offers the most vacat...

Tributes to the American dream
The bounty that America offers is very much on your minds -- and in your hearts. Responding to MONEY's October special issue, ''How You Can Live Better,'' your letters primarily expressed pride and...

If the shoe fits . . .
Italy has long been known for its fine, fashionable footwear, the kind Americans love to buy. But now the shoe seems to be on the other foot. Trendy Italian men from Milan to Montepulciano are spor...

Italy: News & Videos about Italy - CNN.com
Find stories, videos, and photos about Italy from CNN.com.

 

EU--Crucifix or Not?
European liberal secularists are involved in a drive to purge religion from public places within the EU.

Rome and Berlin Contest Chief Bank Seat
The contest is on for the presidency of the European Central Bank—during the EU’s greatest financial crisis.

Italian Foreign Minister Proposes EU Army

Largest Treasury Bond Caper in History?
Is someone anonymously dumping treasuries, or is it just the work of a bold counterfeiter?

Fiat Targets GM in Europe, South Africa and Latin America

Is Fascism Returning to Italy?
Seventy years after fascist Italy formally allied with Nazi Germany, the government in Rome is again being filled by those who sympathize with Benito Mussolini.

Who Rules Italy?
The Catholic Church has conquered Italy, and is planning to expand its power.

Vatican Fights Spanish Secularism
Will Spain be the next domino to fall?

Vatican Reverts to Setting Its Own Laws
Pope Benedict XVI is cleverly positioning the Vatican to be the legal standard for European law.

Berlusconi: World May Close Stock Markets, Leaders Considering New Bretton Woods Agreement
The dollar’s day at the top is almost over.

Vatican Calls on Catholics to Get Involved in Politics

Italian Comedian Faces Prosecution for Insulting the Pope
Italy is attempting to invoke a fascist-era law in order to penalize those who insult the pope.

Benedict XVI: Italy Needs New Generation of Catholic Politicians

The Vatican's Not-So-Secret Weapon
Pope Benedict and his Catholic hierarchy are using the abortion issue to take down national governments that oppose their will—but what comes next?

The Rise of Right-Wing Europe
As the political landscape of Europe shifts to the right, Italy is jumping on the bandwagon, and Germany is emerging as the leader.

Benedict the King-Breaker
Is the Vatican about to bring down another European government?

Vatican Assaults Prodi, Again
The Roman Catholic Church shows just how much power it really has.

Europe's Shaky Leadership
The leaders of the European Union’s top four member nations face a rough year ahead.

Faith and Reason Collide in Rome
The pope snubs an invitation to speak at one of Rome’s most prestigious universities as he receives a backlash to his reactionary rhetoric.

Final Resurrection of the Holy Roman Empire Is Here
The Vatican and Germany already have a disturbing level of control over the European Union. The religious and political sides of the resurrection of an ancient empire are forming fast.

Jordan: King Calls for EU to Play Larger Role in Middle East
Abdullah II says Europe should play a more effective role in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

Prodi Asks Catholic Church for Help in Fighting Tax Evasion
Italy’s prime minister has appealed to Roman Catholic priests for help to battle a chronic problem.

Prodi Bows to Papal Pressure
Last week’s events in Italy should be a real lesson to those who doubt the power of the papacy to intervene in and significantly influence world politics.

EU Oil and Energy Production Plummets

On Jerusalem's Doorstep
Who would have thought it possible, given the state of Italo-Fascist/Germano-Nazi relationships with Jews just 60 years ago? But it’s a fact. Italy is to lead a “peace keeping” force onto Israel’s northern doorstep, while the German Navy patrols the coast.

theTrumpet.com: Italy
theTrumpet.com -- Understand your world.

 

Unwinnable Wars
The experts seek ways out of Iraq and Afghanistan without loss of face and credibility. Their efforts are doomed to fail.

EU--Crucifix or Not?
European liberal secularists are involved in a drive to purge religion from public places within the EU.

Europe Shakes
As European elites elope from their normal responsibilities for summer vacations, they leave many a crisis in abeyance. What will their return in autumn bring?

Pope Benedict Announces a New Crusade

Wilders Rides the Right Wave
The surge of fringe right-wing groups is a sign of things to come.

Pope Benedict Visits Cyprus
What is the significance of the pope’s visit to Cyprus?

The Real Vatican Scandal

Beware! The Vatican Will Retaliate
History warns us not to misjudge the resilience of the Roman Catholic Church.

Europe--the Hidden Superpower
Though each appears to be presently enduring crisis, Rome and Berlin continue their respective efforts to assert themselves at the helm of the rising European empire.

Pope and Pedophilia--the Plain Truth
What’s the motive behind the attack on the pope?

Pope: World Needs New Financial System
In a recent address to Italian businessmen, the pope has again called for a change to the world’s financial system.

Is the Vatican a Bastion of Family Values?
Not nearly as much as millions believe it to be.

The Evangelization of Europe
The pope calls for east and west to unite to evangelize the European continent.

Catholics and Orthodox Need to Unite to Rescue Europe, Says Pope

Rome and Berlin Contest Chief Bank Seat
The contest is on for the presidency of the European Central Bank—during the EU’s greatest financial crisis.

Pope Prepares for English Assault
An attack on the Labor Party accompanies the pope’s announcement that he will visit Britain this year.

The Pope Destroys Catholicism's Left Wing
The Catholic Church is ready to burst onto the political scene in Europe.

Was Pope Pius XII Pious?
Only if you ignore what he did, Vatican says.

Rome and Berlin--Facing Up to War
The Roman Catholic Church prepares Germany for battle.

The Holy Roman Empire Is Back!
A foundational prophecy of your Bible has just been fulfilled. The perfect military storm is about to explode. Let the world beware!

Berlin, Rome and Britain--an Unworkable Combination
On December 1, the British lost their national sovereignty. On January 1, their queen becomes a vassal of the new leadership of the European Union.

Switzerland Bans Minarets

Britain May Legalize Catholic Monarchy

Anglican Group Returns to Catholicism
Protestant daughters are beginning to return to the mother church.

The Vatican's Attack on Britain
Pope Benedict XVI has succeeded where Guy Fawkes failed.

theTrumpet.com: Vatican
theTrumpet.com -- Understand your world.

 

Montana, la disavventura delle giovani capre

Bp: marea nera costata 8 mld di dollari

A Sumatra nuova violenta eruzione del vulcano Sinabung

Tre scosse terremoto nella notte tra L Aquila e Rieti, una di 3.3

"Crocodile Dundee" Paul Hogan pu lasciare Australia per gli Usa

Bersani: Per uscire dalla palude serve stagione di riforme

Bossi show: baci e pugni alla festa della Lega

Scontro con i militari, uccisi 25 narcos Rapito e liberato cugino di imprenditore tv

MIlano, marito uccide moglie per affidamento figli

Immigrazione:sbarco in Calabria, 3 fermi

Sumatra: nuova eruzione del Sinabung

Cari amici di Mondadori preferisco la giustizia

Sequestrato arsenale nel Padovano

Borsa Milano: avvio in rialzo (+0,22)

Pakistan:prestito Fmi da 450 mln dollari

Pasta, sugo e mozzarella a tavola 60 miliardi dal finto made in Italy

In piedi e senza pedali Ecco il ciclista hi-tech

E il premier ci riprova con Romani prima scelta per sostituire Scajola

Hawking: "Vi spiego perché non è stato Dio a creare l universo"

Giochi pericolosi a Pesaro ora i ragazzi si danno fuoco

Arrestato spagnolo con 159 kg. hascisc

Scossa nell Aquilano, magnitudo 3,4

Russia: nuovo incendi, morti e feriti

Messico: scontro con narcos, 25 morti

Bossi: la maggioranza tiene

"Calpestati 14 anni di sacrifici per loro siamo solo dei numeri"

L ultima sfida di Berlusconi "Non tratto più, ritirate quella legge"

A Teheran nuovo assalto a casa Karroubi, scontri con sicurezza

Negli Usa l uragano Earl si indebolisce, ma allerta resta alta

Santoro: L informazione il cane da guardia del potere

Due terzi dei newyorkesi sono contrari alla moschea a Ground Zero

Tredici gruppi terroristici palestinesi uniti contro Israele

Usa: sfiorata nuova marea nera

Mo: estremisti minacciano Israele

Napolitano sollecita un nuovo ministro dello Sviluppo economico

Roma si mobilita per Sakineh, una pioggia di appelli

SuperEnalotto ancora senza "6", il jackpot vola: 128,5 milioni

Da oggi temporali a Sud e sulle isole, meglio nel weekend

Milano, lite per affidamento figli: spara e uccide ex moglie

E sempre tensione fra Pdl e finiani; i probiviri non slittano

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SuperEnalotto jackpot up to 126.5 mln euros
Naples town bets part of budget as lottery fever keeps rising

Italy mobilized to save Iranian stoning woman
Initiatives throughout country calling for clemency

Napolitano calls for industrial policy and minister
'Serious policy within European framework,' he says

Pope, Peres urge Mideast peace
'Accord respectful of legitimate aspirations,' leaders say

Soccer: Italy bid to bury 2010 hoodoo
Azzurri visit Estonia Friday in opening Euro 2012 qualifier

Ferrara gearing for rare Chardin show
18th-century artist influenced Matisse, Cezanne

Soccer: Borriello 'psyched' by Roma move
'I'll play my heart out,' says ex-Milan striker

World's first 'tree cathedral' takes root in Italy
Work by late artist Mauri marks Year of Biodiversity

Italian team helps find ALS gene
New hope for Lou Gehrig's Disease

Italian President hopeful govt will last the course
Napolitano sees 'benign' developments in political situation

Rugby: Italians want to be more than Celtic Cinderellas
Aironi and Treviso face Munster and Scarlets in Magners debuts

F1: 'Rome will get its Grand Prix'
Race in 2012 or 2013 will be 'fixed' date on calendar says mayor

Love Church 'despite sins of priests'
12th-century nun Hildegard of Bingen a model, pope says

Italian women's past role explored in Marche show
'From the Macchiaioli to Modigliani' at Civitanova Marche

Soccer: Milan sign Robinho in another coup
Brazilian gives further boost after Ibrahimovic's arrival

Fleeing thief ducks into police station
Wrong turn 'like something out of I Soliti Ignoti'

Recession opens doors for Italy's dogs
Number of shopkeepers allowing in mutts up 76% since 2005

Soccer: Optimism on Cassano grows in Italy camp
Prandelli not looking for champagne soccer in Estonia

Cinema: four Italians bid for Golden Lion
Tarantino heads jury for September 1-11 Venice Film Festival

Gaddafi leaves polemics behind
Berlusconi urged not to keep giving Libyan leader 'a stage'

Soccer: Inter acknowledge Milan threat to dominance
Treble winners held 0-0 at Bologna in Serie A opener

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Italy News in Italian

 

Capital: Rome (Roma)

Italy (Italian: Italia), officially the Italian Republic, (Italian: Repubblica Italiana), is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily and Sardinia. Italy shares its northern Alpine boundary with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The independent states of San Marino and the Vatican City are enclaves within the Italian Peninsula, while Campione d'Italia is an Italian exclave in Switzerland.

Italy has been the home of many European cultures, such as the Etruscans and the Romans, and later was the birthplace of the movement of the Renaissance, that began in Tuscany and spread all over Europe. Italy's capital Rome has been the center of Western civilization, and is the center of the Catholic Church.

Today, Italy is a democratic republic, and a developed country with the 7th-highest GDP, the 8th-highest Quality-of-life index, and the 20th-highest Human Development Index rating in the world. It is a founding member of what is now the European Union (having signed the Treaty of Rome in 1957), and also a member of the G8, the Council of Europe, the Western European Union, and the Central European Initiative. Beginning January 1, 2007, Italy became a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

 

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy