by Maximiliano Crocamo
Regional councilors from the Democratic Party (PD) in Friuli Venezia Giulia have raised concerns about a port sector reform proposed by the Italian government, arguing that the planned creation of Porti d’Italia Spa could undermine the autonomy of local ports in the region.
The Porti d’Italia Spa initiative is part of a broader national legislative effort to centralize the strategic governance of Italian ports. The national government has stated that the reform aims to modernize port administration and enhance competitiveness.
The motion was introduced by PD councilors Diego Moretti, Francesco Russo, and Roberto Cosolini, with the support of PD Member of Parliament Debora Serracchiani. It calls on regional and national authorities to clarify the reform’s potential impact. Specifically, the motion urges the Friuli Venezia Giulia regional government, led by President Massimiliano Fedriga, to engage with the Prime Minister’s office and the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini, on the matter.
Details of the final governance structure remain under negotiation in Parliament. While official government statements describe the reform as a modernization measure, they do not specify implementation timelines.
PD councilors argue that the reform could result in the transfer of financial resources and staff from the Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mare Adriatico Orientale to the new entity, potentially reducing local control over planning and investment decisions. They also seek clarification regarding the appointment process for the secretary-general of the Trieste port authority.
The regional council is expected to debate and vote on the motion in the coming weeks, marking the next procedural step in the region’s formal response to the proposal.
