Lombardy councilor proposes using e-commerce duties to support local shops

Emanuele Monti, a regional councilor and president of the Welfare Commission in Lombardy, has announced a motion to support local neighborhood shops using revenue from new e-commerce duties on small packages. The proposal is scheduled to be presented to the Lombardy Regional Council in September.

Working alongside Regional Assessor for Economic Development Guido Guidesi, Monti aims to urge the central government to establish mechanisms for reinvesting these funds into local territories. The initiative seeks to counter the effects of international e-commerce competition and prevent urban desertification.

Proposed uses for the funds include strengthening commerce districts, repurposing vacant premises, regenerating shopping streets, and improving digitalization, security, and accessibility within Lombardy's municipal commercial areas.