Italy’s parliamentary intelligence watchdog is accelerating an investigation into Chinese investments in the country, with hearings set to continue until early August and a final report expected by the end of the year or in early 2027.
Why it matters: China has established a significant presence across sectors of the Italian economy, from renewable energy and automotive to e-commerce.
- The investigation aims to map Chinese investments and assess their potential implications for Italy’s economic and national security.
- Recent developments involving Pirelli and Ferretti have kept the issue of Chinese ownership and influence high on Rome’s agenda.
Zoom in: Work in progress. The Parliamentary Committee for the Security of the Republic, known as Copasir and chaired by former Defense Minister Lorenzo Guerini, launched the inquiry two months ago.
- The committee has already heard representatives from the Italian Institute of International Affairs (IAI), the Aspen Institute and the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI).
- Giovanni Caravelli, director of Italy’s external intelligence agency AISE, is due to appear before the committee next weeks. However, sources at Palazzo San Macuto, where Copasir is based, stress that Caravelli’s hearing will not focus specifically on China.
The big picture: The inquiry is designed to provide lawmakers with a clearer picture of the scale and nature of Chinese investments in Italy.
- At the center of the investigation is the question of whether Chinese capital could create risks for strategic Italian companies, particularly smaller businesses with valuable technologies and industrial expertise.
- The broader backdrop is the growing debate over competition with China and the role of state subsidies in supporting Chinese companies.
What we’re watching: According to information emerging from Palazzo San Macuto, the committee plans to continue hearings until the first week of August.
- The next step will be the drafting of a final report to Parliament, expected by the end of 2026 or in the first months of 2027.
The bottom line: Copasir is moving to build a broader picture of Chinese capital in Italy — and to assess where foreign investment ends and potential risks to the country’s economic and national security begin.
