Molise officials dispute reallocation of €19 million in European funds

A political dispute has emerged in the Molise region regarding the management of €19 million in European funds intended for 'Aree Interne' (inland areas).

Regional CEO Michele Iorio clarified that the funds are not being cut, but rather undergoing a technical reallocation. He explained that the money is being temporarily moved from the inland areas axis to support the Special Economic Zone (ZES) in Termoli. This move aims to ensure that funds originally intended for the Termoli customs free zone—which faced risks of being returned to Brussels due to PNRR spending deadlines—are secured through the Complementary Operational Program (POC).

However, Democratic Party regional councillor Micaela Fanelli has challenged this explanation, accusing the administration of a “shell game” that harms local municipalities. Fanelli argues that the €19 million reduction from inland areas is a certainty, while the future coverage promised by the administration remains speculative. She noted that the Termoli project, originally funded by the PNRR, is only approximately 3% complete, leading to the need for this financial restructuring.