EU Council Conclusions Call for ‘Comprehensive Partnerships’—Italy Sees Green Light for Albania Processing Deal
Fourteen EU Leaders—Hosted by Italy—Hail Progress on New Return Regulation
24-Hour Bus Strike Hits Udine on 19 June—Contingency Advice for Business Travellers
Latest News
Italian Consulate in Zurich Opens New Online Slots for Passports and e-ID Cards
Italy’s Zurich consulate, one of the busiest in the Schengen area, announced new Prenot@MI release dates on 19 June to relieve a document backlog. Cross-border workers should grab slots quickly to avoid travel-permit issues under the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.
Italy Extends Border Checks with Slovenia for Another Six Months
On 18 June Italy notified Brussels that it will keep internal border controls with Slovenia in place until 18 December 2026, citing terrorism and migration risks. The move means another six months of random ID and vehicle inspections on the A-23 corridor and secondary crossings, affecting commuters, business travellers and goods traffic. Companies should budget extra transit time and ensure staff carry identification, while political pressure is growing for a return to full Schengen free-movement.
EU leaders put returns policy and legal migration on the Brussels agenda
At the European Council on 18 June, EU leaders – prodded by Italy – put the freshly-agreed Returns Regulation and legal labour mobility at the top of the agenda. Italy wants more EU cash for border tech and quicker Blue-Card portability to ease skills shortages. Businesses should expect tougher exit checks in the short run but easier intra-EU transfers for highly-skilled staff from 2027.
Italy streamlines EU Blue-Card and fast-track permits for highly-qualified staff
A 18 June HR Capital briefing confirms Italy’s transposition of the new EU Blue-Card rules. Salary thresholds drop, tacit approval after 30 days is introduced and family members can file simultaneously, cutting weeks off assignment timelines. Employers should shift to the new “HQ Work Portal” immediately.
Italy transposes EU Migration & Asylum Pact: Decree-Law 100/2026 enters into force
On 18 June the long-awaited Decree-Law 100/2026 took effect, translating the EU Migration & Asylum Pact into Italian legislation. It introduces 4-week border procedures, longer detention limits and new employer reporting duties through the MIGRA-COM portal. Businesses hiring asylum seekers must adapt immediately.
NGOs alarmed as EU approves tougher returns rules on eve of World Refugee Day
Faith-based NGOs in Italy denounce the EU’s 18 June adoption of the Returns Regulation, claiming longer detention and offshore centres threaten fundamental rights. Employers relying on humanitarian-status staff should watch for sudden permit lapses as Italy moves to implement the tougher regime.
Electronic ID card rollout for Italians abroad accelerates after early glitches
In a 18 June COSMO Italiano segment, Italian consulates said the electronic ID card (CIE) rollout for AIRE citizens is back on track after early hiccups. Paper IDs will cease to be valid for travel from 3 August 2026, so expats – and employers moving staff – should secure a CIE promptly.
University of Bologna opens second intake with visa guidance for non-EU students
On 18 June the University of Bologna released its second-round admission lists and updated visa instructions. Non-EU students have just 10 days to pay fees and finalise Universitaly pre-enrolment before seeking a digital ‘Study’ visa, now subject to a €7 000.97 funds threshold and compulsory private insurance.
G7 Évian security window ends but travellers face residual border checks on 18 June
Security measures linked to the G7 summit wound down in the early hours of 18 June, but Italian travellers via Geneva still encountered ID checks and minor flight delays. Companies should build similar contingencies into travel plans for future high-level events in the region.