Following the approval of the decree law restructuring beach concessions by the Council of Ministers, Italian beach operators have expressed strong dissatisfaction and are contemplating “union actions.” While EU Affairs Minister Raffaele Fitto praised the resolution of “a long-standing and complex issue” on social media, there is uncertainty surrounding the final text of the decree that will be presented to Parliament. The absence of a definitive version has led to speculation that the text may be softened to partially address the concerns of beach operators, who feel let down by unfulfilled promises from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the majority parties.
Beach operators, represented by Maurizio Rustignoli of Fiba Confesercenti and Antonio Capacchione of Sib-Fipe Confcommercio, lament that their expectations were not met, particularly regarding the exclusion of their sector from the Bolkestein Directive and the promise to avoid competitive bidding. The European Commission granted another three-year extension based on Italy’s commitment to implement bidding procedures. This extension is expected to be the last, with the Commission’s spokesperson stating that infringement proceedings will only be closed once Italian legislation fully complies with EU law.
Despite this, beach operators remain hopeful for additional guarantees, particularly regarding compensation for investments. They are seeking coverage for “all investments made over a lifetime of business,” not just those made in the past five years, and are also pushing for the right of first refusal for outgoing concessionaires and recognition of business value. Confartigianato Imprese Demaniali President Mauro Vanni hopes that parliamentary amendments can introduce these protections, while Fiba’s Rustignoli looks to the Ministry of Transport’s decree, due by March 31, 2025, to ensure proper compensation and restore dignity to the principle of fair compensation.
