Italy Enacts 2026 Merit Law Revamping Public Administration Performance Evaluation

On 2 July 2026 Italy approved Law No. 119, overhauling the public‑sector performance assessment system that had been governed by Legislative Decree No. 150 of 2009. The new “Merit 2026” framework shifts evaluation from mere bureaucratic compliance to measuring real service outcomes, linking objectives to available resources and emphasizing professional training. A wider range of actors will take part in assessments, but ultimate responsibility remains with senior managers, who must monitor goals and adjust strategies throughout the year. High‑performance recognitions are capped at 30 % of evaluations per category, introducing selective rewards. The reform aims to raise the quality of services perceived by citizens by ensuring clearer, measurable objectives and timely corrective actions.