
Italy’s public debt reached an unprecedented €3.0635 trillion in April, jumping by €30.1 billion in just one month, according to new data from the Bank of Italy. The surge sets a new all-time high, raising fresh concerns over the country’s fiscal sustainability.
More foreign hands on Italian bonds
For the first time in months, the share of Italy’s debt held by foreign investors rose to 32.4%, up from 31.9% in March. This shift highlights a growing reliance on international capital to fund national obligations—something that could become risky in times of global market volatility.
The Bank of Italy steps back
Meanwhile, the central bank itself slightly reduced its share, which now stands at 20.2% (down 0.3 points). At the same time, Italian households and non-financial firms own 14.3% of the debt, a marginal decline of 0.1 points from the previous month.
Why it matters
With rising interest rates and increasing global uncertainty, the structure of Italy’s debt ownership is more important than ever. A higher foreign stake could mean more vulnerability to international pressures—but also greater investor confidence in the country’s stability. One thing is clear: Italy’s debt story is far from over.