Italy is emerging as an important example of how sustained law enforcement, prevention, and social rehabilitation can improve public safety. Two developments in October 2026 tell a complementary story: a remarkable long-term decline in homicides and renewed efforts to prevent the spread of fentanyl and other dangerous synthetic opioids.
A study released by Italian research institute Eurispes on October 16 places Italy among the European Union countries with the lowest homicide mortality rates. In 2023, Italy recorded 0.4 age-standardized homicide deaths per 100,000 residents, compared with an EU average of 0.65. A separate measure based on police records also showed a favorable comparison – 0.57 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in Italy versus 0.91 across the EU.
