The issue of beach concessions is at the center of a delicate meeting between the leaders of the Italian government, with significant implications for the sector and local communities. In a context of regulatory uncertainty and pressure from the European Union, a heated debate is expected on the future of Italian beaches, vital for the economy and tourism.
The government’s divergent positions
Pressure from Brussels and internal reactions
Tomorrow’s summit will mark a crucial moment for the government, composed of Giorgia Meloni, Matteo Salvini and Antonio Tajani, all called upon to find a synthesis between often opposing positions. The different visions of the majority parties on the issue would complicate any attempt to reach a shared solution. Lately, government sources have highlighted how the issue of beach concessions does not only concern the possible sanctions by the European Union following non-compliance with the Bolkestein directive, but also the autonomous initiatives of Italian municipalities, which are starting to manage their concessions differently. Some municipalities have already put their beaches up for tender, adopting approaches that vary greatly from one territory to another.
The Prime Minister’s strategic meetings
Giorgia Meloni addressed these issues during her first meeting after returning from vacation, meeting Raffaele Fitto, candidate for the role of European Commissioner for Italy. The government is well aware of the need to find an agreement with Brussels, to avoid incurring sanctions that could further damage the sector. Pressure from beach entrepreneurs, who need regulatory certainty, is becoming increasingly insistent. This tension has resulted in the summer closure of beach establishments, historically linked to right-wing central forces, who are asking for protection for their corporate assets.
Negotiations with the European Union
Regulatory obstacles and compromise strategies
The executive’s attempt to postpone the tenders for beach concessions to 2025 has already been thwarted by a stern warning from the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, and finally declared illegitimate by the Council of State. In this context, Fitto is charged with seeking a compromise that can satisfy the requests of the European Commission, while disagreements within the majority risk slowing down the process. The proposals put forward by the League and Forza Italia, which aim to use coastal mapping as an argument to demonstrate the abundance of free beaches and the consequent non-application of the Bolkestein, have not found the hoped-for support from the Union so far.
Possible future scenarios
In recent days, Matteo Salvini has emphasized the priority of recognizing the right of pre-emption to current concessionaires and the need for compensation for work already carried out. However, this approach is also complex, given the need for a favor from the Union to avoid further punitive measures and a possible invocation of the European Court of Justice, which could lead to onerous sanctions for Italy.
The impact on municipalities and administrations
Differing approaches among municipalities
The lack of a clear guideline has led individual municipalities to move in a scattered order. Some, like Lignano Sabbiadoro, have opted for contracts of up to 15 years, interpreting the situation to their advantage. Others, like Gaeta, have chosen to reward during the tender phase those who are able to guarantee quality services and investments, while maintaining respect for the environment and state-owned land. In the absence of uniform regulations, we are witnessing an increasingly fragmented panorama of supply and management of beaches, with the risk of creating confusion and disparity between the various Italian locations.
Reflections on the future of the seaside sector
With the Antitrust Authority calling for avoiding further extensions, the future of beach concessions remains hanging by a thread. Open tenders without clear coordination could not only fuel legal disputes, but also put local economic activities, already tested by the recent crisis, in difficulty. A solid regulatory framework seems essential to restore trust between government representatives, municipalities and entrepreneurs in the seaside sector, in a context that appears more complicated than ever.
This article is originally published on gaeta.it
