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Italy Advances Tougher Measures on Migrant Arrivals

ILE PHOTO: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attends a bilateral meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance (not pictured), during his visit to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, February 6, 2026.  Italy’s government has approved a new migration bill that would grant authorities the power to impose temporary naval blockades during periods of intense pressure on the country’s borders. The proposal, backed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is designed to curb irregular sea crossings by restricting access to Italian territorial waters. The draft law would allow officials to bar vessels from entering for up to 30 days, with the option to extend the measure to six months if national security or public order is deemed at risk. The plan also strengthens border surveillance, increases penalties for human smuggling, and expands the list of offenses that can lead to deportation. Supporters argue the move is necessary to manage migration flows more effectively, whi...

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New Trade Clock: U.S. to Launch Canadian Tariffs Feb. 1 with Energy Levies Set for Mid-February

In a recent announcement, President Donald Trump outlined a fresh timetable for imposing tariffs on Canadian imports. According to the statement, standard tariffs on a broad range of Canadian goods are slated to begin on February 1. In a move aimed at tempering potential disruptions in the energy sector, Trump indicated that targeted levies on oil and gas products might be introduced around February 18, likely at a lower rate—around 10%—compared to the 25% tariff planned for most other products.

This staggered approach appears designed to address long-standing trade imbalances and border security issues while minimizing the shock to energy prices for American consumers. By delaying the energy-specific tariffs, the administration may be seeking additional time for negotiations with Canadian officials, who have already warned that retaliatory measures could follow if the tariffs are fully implemented.

Market analysts view the phased implementation as both a negotiation tactic and a means of reducing the immediate economic impact on sensitive sectors. Investors are now keeping a close watch on developments as uncertainty over these measures continues to influence market sentiment, with concerns over inflation and supply chain disruptions remaining high.


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