Finance
EU gives Italy formal warning over 'golden power' takeover rules
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on November 21, 2025
1 min readLast updated: January 20, 2026
Global Banking and Finance Review
Company
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on November 21, 2025
1 min readLast updated: January 20, 2026
The EU has formally warned Italy that its 'golden power' takeover rules may breach EU law, affecting strategic sectors including banking.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Explore more articles in the Finance category
