Skip to content
Edition of Saturday, 7 November 2026English edition
EN FR
The Geopolitician

Country risk, from the local press

Italy · Country watch

Brenner Tunnel Cyberattack, Italy Protests, Export Surge

Cyberattacks hit Brenner Tunnel, widespread protests occur, and Italy's exports rise by 5% in eight months.

· · 8 articles read

The picture Mixed How this is judged →

Italy faces mixed conditions with cyberattacks disrupting logistics and widespread protests affecting public operations, while export growth offers a positive outlook.

Flare-up watch: Calm (0.0) · Active flag: Heightened vigilance for staff and travel · How this is judged → · All Italy briefings →

In this briefing Brenner Base Tunnel · Bbt Se · Everest · Milan · Rome · Turin · Unimpresa · Italian exports

Disruption

  • Logistics
  • Construction

Brenner Tunnel hit by cyberattack, Russian group claims

Exploratory Tunnel Aica–Mules
Exploratory Tunnel Aica–Mules — BBT SE, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Brenner Basis Tunnel, a major infrastructure project between Austria and Italy, was targeted by a cyberattack, according to Fonte Ufficiale. The Russian-speaking hacker group Everest has claimed responsibility for the attack, which occurred in mid-October. Bbt Se, the construction company managing the tunnel, confirmed unauthorized access to internet-accessible data. The incident adds to ongoing cybersecurity concerns in Italy, following recent attacks on supermarkets. European agencies are investigating potential Russian involvement.

Impact Logistics operators using the Brenner Tunnel face potential delays and security concerns due to the cyberattack.

Sources: Fonte Ufficiale ↗, La Repubblica ↗

Internal tension

  • Public sector
  • Agriculture

Protests erupt across Italy, from Milan to Rome

Milan Cathedral from Piazza del Duomo
Milan Cathedral from Piazza del Duomo — Jiuguang Wang, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Italy witnessed a day of widespread protests with demonstrations occurring in cities from Milan to Rome, TGcom24 reports. The protests involved students, workers, and farmers, with events like the 'Tax the rich party' in Milan and a march in Rome. In Turin, farmers joined with tractors, highlighting agricultural grievances. These protests are part of ongoing unrest in response to economic policies and budget cuts affecting various sectors.

Impact Public-sector employers and agricultural businesses face operational challenges due to the protests and potential disruptions.

Sources: TGcom24 ↗

Trade

  • Manufacturing
  • Retail

Italy's exports rise 5% in eight months, potential for more

Italy's exports have increased by 5% over the first eight months of the year, reaching a trade surplus of €34.7 billion, according to Affaritaliani.it. Unimpresa highlights the potential for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to further expand their international reach, estimating an additional €27.7 billion in potential export growth. The August export figures alone showed a 9% increase in value, suggesting strong demand for Italian goods abroad.

Impact Manufacturers and retailers benefit from increased export demand, enhancing revenue opportunities.

Sources: Affaritaliani.it ↗, Quotidiano Net ↗

Nothing significant reported today in Regulation · Safety & health · Companies · Markets · Politics.

Also today in the local press

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

All Italy briefings →

The same day elsewhere