Europe

Meloni Concedes Defeat in Judicial Reform Referendum

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has conceded defeat in a referendum on judicial reform, with the 'No' camp receiving 54% of the vote against the 46% for the government-backed 'Yes' campaign, according to final results from the Interior Ministry. The high turnout of nearly 59% reflected significant public engagement, but the outcome has raised questions about the stability of Meloni's right-wing coalition ahead of national elections next year. Critics argued that the proposed reforms threatened judicial independence, while opposition parties celebrated the result as a sign of potential change in Italy's political landscape.

European Parliament considers compromise on defense permits

The European Parliament is open to compromising on regulations regarding automatic permits for defense factories, amid ongoing disputes with national governments over these permit rules. This shift comes as the EU seeks to balance national security needs with the operational requirements of defense manufacturers, reflecting a broader effort to streamline defense procurement processes.