GBAF Logo
Finance

EU gives Italy formal warning over 'golden power' takeover rules

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on November 21, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 20, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google
EU gives Italy formal warning over 'golden power' takeover rules
European Commission compliance financial markets corporate governance
Global Banking & Finance Awards 2026 — Call for Entries

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Commission on Friday issued a formal warning to Italy's government that its so-called 'golden power' measures on takeover deals could breach EU law. These Italian

EU Issues Warning to Italy on Golden Power Takeover Rules

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Commission on Friday issued a formal warning to Italy's government that its so-called 'golden power' measures on takeover deals could breach EU law.

These Italian government measures are aimed at safeguarding the national interest in strategic sectors such as defence and telecommunications. Italy is one of a number of EU countries which have also applied that legislation to the banking sector.

"The Commission has raised concerns over the so-called 'Golden Powers' legislation, which grants the Italian government broad prerogatives to review, block or impose conditions on corporate transactions in the banking sector," the EU Commission said in a statement.

(Reporting by Sudip Kar-GuptaEditing by Bart Meijer)

Key Takeaways

  • The EU has warned Italy about its 'golden power' legislation.
  • Italy's measures may breach EU law.
  • The legislation affects strategic sectors like defence and telecoms.
  • Italy applies these rules to the banking sector.
  • The European Commission is concerned about broad government powers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the European Commission?
The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and upholding the EU treaties. It ensures that EU law is applied uniformly across member states.
What are takeover rules?
Takeover rules are regulations that govern the acquisition of one company by another. These rules are designed to protect shareholders and ensure fair practices during the takeover process.
What is corporate governance?
Corporate governance refers to the systems, principles, and processes by which companies are directed and controlled. It encompasses the relationships among stakeholders and the goals for which the corporation is governed.
What is compliance in finance?
Compliance in finance involves adhering to laws, regulations, and guidelines that govern financial practices. It ensures that financial institutions operate within legal frameworks to prevent fraud and protect consumers.
What is the banking sector?
The banking sector comprises financial institutions that accept deposits, provide loans, and offer various financial services. It plays a crucial role in the economy by facilitating transactions and managing money.

Tags

Related Articles

Image for Trump says he speaks with Putin and Zelenskiy -Fox News

Trump says he speaks with Putin and Zelenskiy -Fox News

Image for Trump tells Fox News Iran can call US if it wants to negotiate

Trump tells Fox News Iran can call US if it wants to negotiate

Image for Australia's Wong to visit Japan, China, South Korea to discuss energy security

Australia's Wong to visit Japan, China, South Korea to discuss energy security

Image for Hungary's Magyar to meet EU's von der ​Leyen for talks on EU funds this week

Hungary's Magyar to meet EU's von der ​Leyen for talks on EU funds this week

Image for Switzerland angers Italy by claiming costs of treating Crans-Montana fire victims

Switzerland angers Italy by claiming costs of treating Crans-Montana fire victims

Image for Russian defence minister visits North Korea

Russian defence minister visits North Korea

More from Finance

Explore more articles in the Finance category

Image for Fertiliser plant in Russia's Vologda region damaged in Ukrainian drone attack, governor says
Fertiliser plant in Russia's Vologda region damaged in Ukrainian drone attack, governor says
Image for Close Brothers will not take legal action against Britain's car finance redress scheme, Sky News reports
Close Brothers will not take legal action against Britain's car finance redress scheme, Sky News reports
Image for Germany's far-right AfD rises to record 28%, INSA poll shows
Germany's far-right AfD rises to record 28%, INSA poll shows
Image for German government suspects Russia of Signal attack targeting politicians, sources say
German government suspects Russia of Signal attack targeting politicians, sources say
Image for Romania finds parts of second drone after overnight Russian attack on Ukraine
Romania finds parts of second drone after overnight Russian attack on Ukraine
Image for China condemns EU's inclusion of Chinese entities in sanctions package against Russia
China condemns EU's inclusion of Chinese entities in sanctions package against Russia
Image for Russian parliament speaker in North Korea to mark Pyongyang's troop deployment in Ukraine war
Russian parliament speaker in North Korea to mark Pyongyang's troop deployment in Ukraine war
Image for Macron reaffirms efforts to reopen Strait of Hormuz, as TotalEnergies warns of energy shortages
Macron reaffirms efforts to reopen Strait of Hormuz, as TotalEnergies warns of energy shortages
Image for France's Macron says EU mutual assistance clause is unambiguous
France's Macron says EU mutual assistance clause is unambiguous
Image for US to let Venezuela pay Maduro's lawyer in drug trafficking case
US to let Venezuela pay Maduro's lawyer in drug trafficking case
Image for Italy votes down equal parental leave while fathers redefine their role online
Italy votes down equal parental leave while fathers redefine their role online
Image for German auto industry faces even tougher competition as China economy slows
German auto industry faces even tougher competition as China economy slows
View All Finance Posts