Italian Minister Adolfo Urso Calls for 2026 European Automotive Reforms

Minister of Enterprises and Made‑in‑Italy Adolfo Urso said Italy’s GDP and industrial output are out‑performing the EU and Germany. He outlined three urgent actions: free firms from Green‑Deal regulations, cut energy costs and boost innovation funding. Urso announced a “shock package” of regulatory simplifications to be presented in September, aimed at creating “industrial acceleration areas” and extending special‑economic‑zone benefits across the country’s centre‑north.

Urso warned that the Green Deal is the “epicentre” of a European automotive crisis that could lead to de‑industrialisation if not addressed. He called for EU‑wide reforms, stressing “technological neutrality” and an accelerated Industrial Accelerator Act so that Made‑in‑Europe and low‑carbon standards are applied before 2029. The minister cited a Boston Consulting Group study showing a 5‑million‑vehicle overcapacity in Europe.

At a permanent automotive table, regional leaders and Stellantis executives discussed the future of the Cassino plant and a request from Lazio for a dedicated automotive ZES. Stellantis confirmed a €1 billion investment in the Atessa plant and reiterated that the Cassino plant will remain open. The overall push aims to safeguard jobs, secure the supply chain and keep European car production competitive.