Of the objectives set by the end of March, Italy has only achieved five, out of the 55 objectives for 2022, however, there would be some that would not have what it takes, while the targets that we should complete by 30 June 2023 would still be high sea. To summarize the situation in a few words: Italy is late with the Pnrr and risks losing not only the third tranche of the 19 billion funds, but also the next one, which is worth 16.”No, I see absolutely no risks” that the EU does not pay the third tranche of the Pnrr, however she reassured the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni from Brussels, where she is engaged for the European Council. “There is very serious, collaborative work, we have inherited a situation that certainly requires us to work very quickly, that's what we are doing together with the Commission. I have just spoken to Ursula von der Leyen and it seems to me that the Commission greatly appreciates Italy's serious work. The decisions that are made are decisions that we are sharing,” added Meloni.
Pnrr: the goals for 2022
The Meloni government considers everyone achieved and 55 goals set for 2022, but Brussels would not be of the same opinion. In fact, would some targets not have what it takes? How many? 13 according to the Openpolis foundation, 3 of which concern the national cybersecurity. "It's a somewhat delicate topic, clearly it's non-public news, which we don't publish on institutional sites," said Bruno Frattasi, director general of the cybersecurity agency, in a statement. Republic which, quoting other accredited sources, claims that there are 5 objectives under the lens of the EU, among which port concessions.
For the moment, Brussels has given Italy one month more time - until March 31st precisely - to get in order, but the road seems to be uphill. The 19 billion euros are in the balanceo, or the third tranche of Pnrr funds. Not only that, at the end of June there is another 16 billion euro deadline, which Italy runs the risk of not meeting.
Pnrr, only 5 of the 13 targets set for March 31 hit
According to an analysis of the Sun 24 Hours, a few days before the deadline Italy would have reached only 5 of the 13 targets expected by 31 March. On some, like the aforementioned procurement code which will arrive at the council of ministers next week, the Meloni government plans to ask Brussels for an extension to 2024 while the situation is stalled on others. An example? THE bathing, an issue on which the Government is called to decide: to tender for concessions as envisaged by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and as required by the European Union or to force the hand (with the risk of losing funds) and map the beaches.
Pnrr: weights only 10 billion out of 168 available
Another fundamental problem concerns the ability to spend the money received. The calculations of the Court of Auditors leave you speechless: according to the accounting judges, in fact, our country would have spent just over 10 billion of the 168 at its disposal: as a percentage it is 6% of the total. Very few resources would have been deployed on Missions 4, 5 and 6 relating to education (spent 1,2 billion out of 31), inclusion and cohesion (239 million out of 20 billion) and, lastly, health. On this last chapter the accounts are still merciless: Italy would have spent for health care 79 million out of the 15 billion available, 0,5% of the total. It goes a little better with Mission 3 dedicated to "Infrastructures for sustainable mobility", where at least we managed to exceed double figures, spending 16,4% of the resources at our disposal.
The conversation between Gentiloni and Fitto
The European Commissioner for Economic Affairs allegedly discussed these issues Paolo Gentiloni and the Minister of European Affairs Raffaele Fitto. The two "examined the objectives regarding which discussions are still underway between the government and the services of the Commission", reveals a note from Palazzo Chigi.
During the meeting, Fitto and Gentiloni would also discuss another issue dear to the Government: the inclusion of the program of Repower EU projects, initiatives for energy diversification for now outside the Pnrr which would replace some objectives deemed unfeasible and would allow for easier use of resources.
