1.4 Global Challenges

Mercato del lavoro

• High public debt: Italy has one of the highest public debt levels in the EU, reaching over 160% of its GDP.
• Slow economic growth: Italy's economy has grown at a slow pace compared to other EU countries, hindering its ability to reduce debt and increase competitiveness.
• Youth unemployment: The unemployment rate for young people in Italy is high, with over 30% of those aged 15-24 being unemployed.
• Aging population: Italy has a rapidly aging population, which is putting pressure on its pension system and workforce.
  

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• Lack of structural reforms: Italy has been criticized for not implementing enough structural reforms to boost its economy and increase competitiveness.
• High non-performing loans: The Italian banking sector is burdened by high levels of non-performing loans, which are hindering its ability to lend and support economic growth.

Scuola e istruzione

• Compulsory and free: Education in Italy is compulsory and free for children between the ages of 6 and 16.
• Public and private systems: Italy has both public and private education systems, with the majority of students attending public schools.
  

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• Focus on tradition: Italian education has a strong focus on tradition, with a curriculum that emphasizes the classics, literature, and the arts.
• Centralized system: The Italian education system is centralized, with the national government responsible for setting educational policies and standards.
• University education: Italy has a strong university system, with many well-respected institutions and a long history of academic excellence.
• Bologna Process: Italy is a member of the Bologna Process, an initiative aimed at creating a European Higher Education Area and facilitating the movement of students and academics between countries.

Migrazioni e frontiere

• Increasing migration: Italy has seen an increase in migration in recent years, with many people coming from Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.
  

  image courtesy of Open Migration

• Refugee crisis: Italy has been at the forefront of the refugee crisis in Europe, with many migrants and asylum seekers arriving by sea.
• Political issue: Migration has become a politically sensitive issue in Italy, with some politicians calling for stricter immigration policies and others advocating for more humane treatment of migrants and refugees.
• Integration challenges: Italy faces challenges in integrating migrants and refugees into its society and economy, with high levels of unemployment and poverty among these populations.
• Reception centers: The Italian government operates a network of reception centers for migrants and refugees, where they receive basic services and support.
• EU cooperation: Italy has called for greater cooperation and support from the EU in addressing the migration crisis, including the sharing of the burden of caring for migrants and refugees.