by Maximiliano Crocamo
Interviewees: Manuela Celotti, Regional Councilor for the Partito Democratico (PD) and Secretary of the Regional Council; Marko Pisani, Regional Councilor for Slovenska Skupnost (SSk).
A new law was proposed by a coalition of regional councilors on June 9, 2026, at the Regional Council to implement a series of measures aimed at supporting small and medium-sized independent publishing houses.
Introduced by Councillor Celotti, the legislation seeks to recognize the value of publishing houses, which, she said, “play a vital role in fostering cultural development and readership in the region, as well as in promoting local history, authors, and the local landscape.”
The bill, comprising eleven chapters, proposes a range of contributions and initiatives, including support for the participation of independent publishers in national and international events; the creation of a cross-border festival; the translation of materials into the minority languages spoken in the region; staff training and professional development; modernisation and digital transformation; and the publication and promotion of works that highlight the history and diversity that characterise the region.
To encourage readership, the proposal also includes additional funding for local institutions such as libraries, schools, and bookshops, as well as the creation of a “Scaffale dell’Editoria Regionale” (Regional Publishing Section) to showcase independent publications.
