by InTrieste
The Friuli Venezia Giulia regional government has allocated a total of €119 million for culture and sports in its 2026 budget, marking a 12.5 percent increase compared with the €105 million set aside in 2025.
The announcement was made by Mario Anzil, the region’s vice governor responsible for culture and sports, who described the funding boost as part of ongoing efforts to enhance cultural and sporting offerings, support local communities, and invest in strategic initiatives.
“The budget includes targeted measures that are expected to generate both immediate and long-term benefits for the region,” Anzil said.
Under the plan, over €53 million is earmarked for cultural activities, €19.6 million for cultural heritage, €22 million for sports, and more than €23 million for the needs of the central administration.
Among the initiatives highlighted by the vice governor is the redevelopment of Villa Manin in Codroipo, which aims to strengthen its role as a regional cultural hub and a center for creative enterprises. The plan also includes preparatory measures for Pordenone, Italy’s 2027 Capital of Culture, as well as support for the 2027 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) and major national sporting events.
The budget introduces a new funding line for the cultural, social, and economic regeneration of the Passariano district, linked to Villa Manin. The measure provides €700,000 for investments in 2026 and €300,000 annually from 2026 to 2028 for cultural and creative activities.
Regional music bands will also receive support, with €500,000 allocated in 2026 to nonprofit associations for the purchase of instruments and uniforms.
In the sports sector, the region will fund the “Residenzialità Nazionale Seven” rugby program, administered by the Italian Rugby Federation, providing €155,000 per year from 2026 to 2028. Additional funds will be directed to sports infrastructure in the Alpine valleys, including €1.4 million annually for synthetic turf fields used in the Carnia Football Championship.
The budget also includes €700,000 for equipment in preparation for the EYOF 2027, €2.3 million for projects marking the 50th anniversary of the 1976 earthquake, €10,000 for renewed research partnerships with the Universities of Trieste and Udine, and €250,000 for the Eureka culture and creativity fair, with 2026 dates to be announced next week.
“Through this budget, we are strengthening Friuli Venezia Giulia’s cultural and sporting infrastructure, supporting communities, associations, and institutions that contribute every day to the region’s quality of life and development,” Anzil said.
