The Italian government is currently working to prevent the Russian takeover of Ariston, an Italian company with branches in Russia. This issue arose when Moscow nationalized Ariston’s Russian branches, including its subsidiary German Bosch. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree transferring these companies temporarily to the Russian Gazprom Domestic Systems, a subsidiary of the state-owned Gazprom group that manufactures household appliances.
In response to this development, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian Federation’s ambassador in Italy to express “strong disappointment” at the decision to place Ariston Thermo Rus, a company within the Ariston Group, under temporary administration by a Gazprom group entity. The Italian government has requested that Russia reconsider this action, stating that the reasons behind it have no legal basis. Italy has also coordinated with the European Union to condemn Russia’s actions, highlighting them as violations of international law.
The Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, has been in contact with the affected companies and is exploring potential responses with G7 and EU partners. Italy, in alignment with its European counterparts, has called on Russia to reverse its measures against foreign companies operating in the country. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to monitor the situation closely and collaborate with its embassy in Moscow and permanent representation to the EU.
On the other hand, the ambassador of the Russian Federation has placed blame on the Italian authorities for the escalation of tensions, accusing them of prioritizing “sterile and dangerous anti-Russian geopolitical adventures” over national interests. Meanwhile, Adolfo Urso, Minister of Business and Made in Italy