Chinese investment in Italy shifting to selective, security-focused phase (decode39.com)

• Chinese FDI in Italy fell to ~€163m in 2025, down from €7.1bn peak in 2015.
• Italy missed out on Chinese EV and battery investments that went to Hungary, Spain, Germany.
• Golden Power regime allows Rome to approve foreign investments with conditions rather than blocking them.

"An ISPI report for the Italian parliament finds Chinese investment in Italy has fallen sharply from its 2015 peak when ChemChina acquired Pirelli for €7.1bn. In 2025 Chinese FDI was around €163m. Italy failed to attract EV battery investment that went to Hungary, Spain, Germany. Rome now uses Golden Power screening to approve investments with conditions, focusing on sectors like machinery, energy, and consumer brands while balancing economic security."