In Italy, the continuous increase in rental prices is making it increasingly difficult to find housing, even for rent. The blame is partly attributed to the rise in short-term rentals to tourists, as landlords can earn more and face fewer risks of dealing with non-paying tenants. Gaetano Pecoraro reports on the situation by visiting various real estate agencies, highlighting the scarcity of properties available for purchase or long-term rental and the changing dynamics of cities.

Northern Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years, with the River Po, Italy's largest river, significantly lower than average. The drought has led to drinking water rationing in 125 municipalities, and the irrigation of crops is at risk in a densely populated and intensively farmed area. The Po River District Authority's secretary-general, Meuccio Berselli, is working on a resilience plan to ensure water supply for drinking and irrigation. The drought has revealed a WWII shipwreck and is affecting the production of key Italian agricultural products. The Italian Farmers Confederation predicts a 30 to 40% reduction in fruit and vegetable production in the Po Valley.

In Italy, 600,000 people are waiting for public housing, and 150,000 are at risk of eviction. However, there are only 9 billion euros allocated for the housing emergency in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Pnrr). In comparison, Portugal manages to allocate four times as much in percentage terms.