Antitrust & Big Tech: Italy has launched an antitrust probe into Microsoft 365 after concerns over AI-related subscription price hikes, adding pressure on regulators to police how tech bundles new features. Digital Finance: bunq is opening its first Italy branch and rolling out local IBANs for Italians and expats, aiming to simplify cross-border money management. Energy & Industry: Hitachi Energy won a major contract for Italy–Tunisia power link converter stations, while Europe’s heatwave is also reshaping demand for cooling and stressing energy and housing systems. Agrifood & Supply: Italy’s farmers are facing drought fears as the Po River hits record lows, threatening crops and fisheries. Travel & Tourism: Dublin Airport expansion is being challenged as a report links tourism growth to higher rents and house prices, with knock-on costs for local communities. Pharma: Zambon and Amneal secured a positive CHMP opinion for Hopledo (modified-release levodopa/carbidopa) for Parkinson’s patients with motor fluctuations, targeting EU availability from October 2026. Business Deals: BT and Verizon agreed to merge their international operations into a new joint venture with about £3bn annual turnover, with Verizon paying BT a £473m equalisation payment.