interviews: Maximiliano Crocamo
Interview: FVG governor, Massimiliano Fedriga
Confindustria Friuli Venezia Giulia convened its annual assembly this Friday at the Trieste Old Port’s congress center, marking the first joint meeting between Confindustria Alto Adriatico and Confindustria Udine after years of strained relations. The event, titled Industria Europa, brought together regional business leaders, political representatives, and policymakers to discuss Europe’s economic and industrial future.
The assembly served as a platform to highlight both opportunities and challenges facing regional industries in the context of European policy. Discussions addressed the balance between environmental goals and industrial competitiveness, the regulatory framework imposed by the European Union, and strategies to strengthen the region’s economic resilience.
Regional President Massimiliano Fedriga spoke at the assembly, emphasizing the need for a “change in direction” in European environmental policies to better support industry. Luca Ciriani, Italy’s Minister for Relations with Parliament, also weighed in, criticizing what he described as an overly “bureaucratic and anti-industrial” approach in Brussels.
The gathering included remote participation by European Commissioner Raffaele Fitto, who underscored the European Commission’s ongoing efforts to support industrial growth while maintaining cohesion across member states.
The assembly also featured a surprise guest, French philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy, who addressed attendees on European unity and identity. While his remarks received attention, the central focus remained on the discussions and debates among local business leaders and policymakers.
Industria Europa highlighted the region’s intent to foster collaboration between historically divided associations and to engage with broader European policies, signaling a renewed commitment to aligning regional industrial priorities with continental developments.
