MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – “I honestly believe that if she hadn’t been there, I would be dead.” Guest on the podcast of former Manchester United and England teammate Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney opened up about his struggles with alcohol and how his wife, Coleen, saved his life.

“I made mistakes, but she’s kept me on the right path for over twenty years,” confessed the 39-year-old former striker. “There was a point in my life where I was really struggling with alcohol. I didn’t think I could open up to anyone. In reality, I didn’t want to, because I didn’t want to burden anyone with that weight. I would drink for two days straight. Then I’d show up at training and score twice at the weekend, but right after I’d go back to drinking for another two days. She helped me so much to control it all. She managed me, because I needed to be managed.”

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s economy is among the most exposed in the European Union to extreme weather events, according to new research by the European Central Bank and the University of Mannheim.

The study estimates that heatwaves, droughts and floods will slash EU-wide economic activity by €43 billion in 2025, equal to 0.26 per cent of total output. By 2029, the long-term damage could rise to €126 billion compared with a scenario without extreme weather.

Smaller economies such as Malta, Cyprus and Bulgaria face disproportionate losses. Malta’s Gross Value Added is projected to shrink by €236.5 million in 2025, or 1.14 per cent of 2024 output. By 2029, the loss could deepen to €609 million, nearly 2.93 per cent. That translates to around €401 per person in 2025 and more than €1,000 by 2029.

The warning follows a report by Malta’s Energy and Water Agency, which found the islands endured desert-like weather conditions between September 2023 and August 2024. It urged greater diversification of water sources and sustainable use of non-conventional supplies.

Across Europe, southern states such as Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece face the largest absolute losses, mainly from droughts and heatwaves. Northern and central states including Germany, Denmark and Austria are more prone to flooding, though the financial toll is smaller.

The researchers caution that their figures may understate the true costs, as they exclude wildfires and the combined effects of droughts and heatwaves. They stress that economic damage often lingers for years, even without further extreme events.

“Extreme weather events are increasingly having substantial economic impacts in Europe,” the study concludes, warning that the risks will grow as climate change intensifies.

– Photo IPA Agency-

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – At a United Nations meeting on the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons, Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela underlined Malta’s commitment to equality, placing particular focus on challenges faced by young people.

Abela noted that while the UN Charter guarantees rights for all, many LGBTIQ+ youths still face bullying, exclusion and online hate. He highlighted Malta’s reforms in education, community initiatives and safe spaces but stressed that access to mental health support remains a pressing issue.

“Collective action is essential to ensure every young person can live with dignity and pride,” he said.

The Prime Minister also addressed a summit on building a “sustainable, inclusive and resilient global economy,” where he pressed for more accessible lending to developing nations. He stressed that international assistance must directly improve people’s daily lives.

Later, at Malta’s Embassy in New York, Abela met Amazon Vice President Susan Pointer and AWS Director Franco Spicciariello. Abela presented Malta’s 2050 vision, which he said is drawing renewed interest from global firms.

Amazon expressed strong interest in strengthening ties with Malta, pointing to start-up support and digital skills programmes.

– Photo Malta Department of Information –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Ministry of Defence of Kuwait has decided to exercise an in-service support extension option for the Kuwait Air Force’s Eurofighter aircraft fleet programme for which Leonardo acts as prime contractor. Under the new service contract, integrated Logistics Support and Training will be supplied locally by Leonardo Aviation Services at Salem Al Sabah Base until December 2029. This latest achievement marks a further reinforcement of the strategic partnership between Leonardo and Kuwait.

Kuwait ordered 28 Eurofighter Typhoons in 2016 to strengthen the country’s air defence system. Deliveries of the aircraft to the Kuwait Air Force started at the end of 2021, and most of the aircraft on order have been delivered and are in service. The aircraft, manufactured in Italy, feature the most advanced production standard currently available.

Leonardo Aviation Services, a Kuwaiti company, acts as an enabler and supporter of the Kuwait Air Force, providing integrated logistic support – including Engineering Support, Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul & Upgrade, Supply Chain Management – and training solutions for both air and ground crew for the Eurofighter Typhoons.

Supplying comprehensive support solutions is core to Leonardo’s global strategy to properly enable the most efficient and effective operations of its technologies through advanced tailored services and proximity. The support activities carried out in Kuwait will allow to maximise the high level of capability delivered by the Eurofighter Typhoons to meet the national air defence requirements.

-Photo Leonardo press office-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is strengthening its position as a European cybersecurity hub. At Secure Talks 2025, organized by Fortinet at the Mediterranean Congress Centre in Valletta, clients, partners, and industry leaders discussed emerging digital challenges, ranging from artificial intelligence and data protection to quantum technologies.

“For Fortinet this is a year of growth and evolution, not only for our company but also for Malta, which continues to rank among the European countries with the highest rate of development,” said Massimo Palermo, VP & Country Manager, Italy and Malta at Fortinet. “The focus on digital innovation and cybersecurity challenges makes this the ideal time to bring together clients and partners to assess new threats.”

According to Finian Massa, Strategic Marketing Manager at ICT Solutions, events like this are crucial to prepare Malta for its digital future: “As IT, services, and digital production grow, so do the risks. Data is becoming one of the most valuable assets and must be protected. Cybersecurity will evolve at a very fast pace, and Malta must invest in skills and strengthen its defenses.”

Bjorn Ekstedt, Chief Information Officer at Bank of Valletta, stressed the importance of governance: “Security cannot be just about technology. It must be integrated into business strategy and everyday processes. Only in this way can organizations increase their maturity and resilience.”

John Montanaro, Chief Revenue Officer of Smart Technologies Limited, added: “Supporting Fortinet Secure Talks in Malta allows us to share ideas with partners and industry leaders and to bring Fortinet’s global vision to the local market, ensuring clients have solutions for a secure digital future.”

The congress also explored quantum technologies, regarded as the future of data security.
“Beyond traditional encryption, quantum technologies offer new opportunities to strengthen cyber defense. Quantum computers and quantum communications not only protect, but also enable innovations in pharmaceuticals and environmental fields,” explained Andrè Xuereb, Founder of Merqury Cybersecurity Limited. “The technology is now ready for the real world and, together with Fortinet, we can support companies and governments in transitioning to a ‘quantum secure’ future.”

– photo Italpress –
(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “What I was accused of is all a lie.” Achraf Hakimi, PSG defender, said this in an interview with Canal+, as reported by L’Équipe.

The former Inter player was responding to a question regarding the rape complaint filed against him. Hakimi is accused of having committed “physical violence” against a 24-year-old woman who went to his home on the night of February 24–25, 2023.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALY) (ITALPRESS) – Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi visited Doha for an official meeting with Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar’s Interior Minister, to discuss migration and security cooperation.

During his visit, Piantedosi toured the General Command of the Internal Security Force Lekhwiya and the National Command Center. He expressed Italy’s solidarity following the recent attack in the Qatari capital, praising Qatar as a country committed to diplomacy and dialogue in the region.

“Qatar is a privileged partner for Italy. Our friendship provides a solid foundation on which to build closer cooperation, based on shared responsibilities,” Piantedosi said. “The Gulf region holds major geopolitical importance, and Qatar, with its increasingly dynamic role, is an indispensable player.”

The two ministers discussed migration challenges, reaffirming their joint commitment to tackling migrant trafficking and organized crime, while strengthening police cooperation. Piantedosi highlighted Qatar’s “capacity for dialogue and activism” as essential for building a regional strategy to manage migration flows.

As part of ongoing bilateral cooperation and the joint declaration signed last October by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Piantedosi also signed a security agreement covering the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The deal will allow Qatari security personnel to support Italy in maintaining public order during the Games, building on the successful collaboration established during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Doha.

“The agreement signed today, our police cooperation, and our joint efforts in managing migration flows strengthen our partnership, making it solid and long-lasting,” Piantedosi concluded.

– Photo Farnesina –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Lionel Messi’s brace propelled Inter Miami to a 4-0 victory at New York FC. This important victory secures the Florida team’s place in the MLS playoffs. The Argentine, the league’s top scorer, scored in the 29th and 41st minutes of the second half, while in the first half he provided the assist for Baltasar Rodriguez’s goal to make it 1-0. Luis Suarez scored Inter Miami’s fourth goal from the penalty spot.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – A significant endorsement for Neymar. Ronaldo, the “Phenomenon,” took to the field and loudly endorsed the 33-year-old striker and Santos captain ahead of the upcoming World Cup. A clear message, addressed to the Brazilian national team’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti. “He’s the player who can turn Brazil’s games around. There’s no one like him,” stated the former Inter Milan and Brazil national team striker. Regarding Neymar’s “slow” recovery after recent injury problems, the “Phenomenon,” an expert on injuries, said: “Regaining rhythm and confidence after a defeat is always a challenge.” In essence, Ronaldo dismissed rumors of Neymar’s alleged “negligence” in working to return to top form.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “I want to sincerely thank everyone who has shown me support during this difficult time. It wasn’t the debut I had dreamed of, but I will give my all to return to playing in this magical stadium as soon as possible.” This was Giovanni Leoni’s post on social media. The Italian defender, in his first outing for Liverpool, was forced to leave the pitch on a stretcher about fifteen minutes before the final whistle of the League Cup match against Southampton. According to English media reports, the former Parma player has ruptured the cruciate ligament in his left knee, an injury that will likely sideline Leoni for several months.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews