report: Maximiliano Crocamo
Interview: Massimiliano Fedriga, Governor of Friuli Venezia Giulia; Oliviero Drigani, President of the Court of Appeal of Friuli Venezia Giulia
Regional officials in Friuli Venezia Giulia raised concerns about Europe’s economic outlook on Monday, citing global instability and calling for greater fiscal flexibility, as the 2026 judicial year of the tax appeals court opened in Trieste.
Massimiliano Fedriga, governor of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, said the current international climate could have serious consequences for businesses across the European Union. He warned that continued dependence on external countries could lead to economic and employment declines if not addressed through coordinated action.
Mr. Fedriga also called for reforms to Italy’s fiscal structure, proposing greater tax autonomy for regions with special status — a shift from the current system, where taxation is controlled at the national level.
Barbara Zilli, the region’s finance councilor, emphasized the need for cooperation between institutions to ensure fairness and efficiency in tax administration. She pointed to the energy crisis as a key challenge and suggested that temporary measures at the European level, similar to those used during the pandemic, could help limit economic damage.
Ms. Zilli also highlighted regional efforts to boost competitiveness, including tax and administrative incentives tied to a simplified logistics zone in port areas.
The ceremony, marking the opening of the judicial year of the Corte di giustizia tributaria di secondo grado in Trieste, comes at a time of growing concern among policymakers about the direction of Europe’s economy.
