Italy

Germany fears that Russia will make further cuts to European gas supply in the coming weeks

Tension between Italy’s main parties will increase as the next election, currently scheduled for 2023, approaches

The convergence of several crises threatens to undermine unity at a time when the EU needs it most

Both countries could have far-right parties in government by the end of next year

The Five Star Movement, Italy’s largest party, is fragmenting over divisions on the government’s Ukraine policy

Low growth and high inflation dominate the outlook for the euro-area economy

German inflation rose above 7%, Spanish inflation is near double digits, and Italy’s energy prices are up 53% this month

Southern EU countries want Brussels to intervene in the energy market to control prices, but such a move would be risky