Source: Italian Ministry for Territorial Cohesion

Note: Certified payments represent funds paid out to beneficiaries that have been certified by the Intermediate Body/Managing Authority. Payments must be certified before being submitted for reimbursement to the European Commission

The Position Paper of the Commission Services on the development of the Partnership Agreement and programmes in Italy for the period 2014-2020 identifies the following financing priorities: 1) Developing an innovation-friendly business environment 2) Putting in place performing infrastructures and efficient management of natural resources 3) Increasing labour market participation, promoting social inclusion and improving the quality of human capital 4) Supporting the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of the public administration

Last Monday, the European Union approved an Italian proposal to reduce co-financing from 50 to 25% in relation to the allocations from the Structural Funds 2007-2013. This will allow Italy to finally benefit from the €8 Billion made available through the ESF and quickly allocate them. Italy risked to see the funds decommited due to the difficulties to meet the deadlines set by the Commission.