by Nina Vaclavikova
Interviews: Caterina De Gavardo, Trieste Councilor for Public Safety and Local Police; President of ATER Trieste, Daniele Mosetti
Officials in Trieste on Tuesday outlined the city’s efforts to combat the illegal occupation of apartments, a problem authorities say remains limited but continues to affect public housing and neighborhood safety.
During a press conference, city councillor for public safety Caterina de Gavardo said illegal occupations create security risks, damage buildings and place additional financial burdens on the community. Many cases involve unauthorized connections to electricity, gas and water systems.
According to Walter Milocchi, about 98 percent of cases in Trieste concern public housing units managed by Ater, the regional housing authority.
Local police reported clearing 20 illegally occupied properties in 2023, 24 in 2024 and 32 in 2025. Six additional apartments were recovered between January and April 2026.
Officials said the city’s response relies heavily on cooperation between residents, police, utility companies and Daniele Mosetti, president of Ater Trieste. Most cases, they said, are identified through citizen reports.
Authorities also cited stricter national laws introduced under Italy’s recent security measures, which increased penalties for illegal occupation and expanded protections for property owners.
Despite the rise in interventions, officials said the phenomenon remains contained and is not concentrated in any single area of the city.
