Regional policy updates in Basilicata and Sicily

In Basilicata, regional councilor Fernando Picerno announced that payments for the fourth edition of the scholarship program, titled ‘Il valore del sapere’, are scheduled to begin on October 26, 2026. The initiative targets meritorious students in their first or second year of upper secondary school, aiming to reward academic achievement while providing economic relief to families.

In Sicily, the regional assembly approved a budget variation following a nearly 24-hour session. Nino Minardo, the regional commissioner for Forza Italia, highlighted several key measures within the maneuver, including incentives for young graduates to return to Sicily, support for first-time homebuyers under 40, and investments in artificial intelligence for businesses. Additionally, approximately 200 million euros have been allocated for the ZES tax credit to support businesses, alongside measures to assist the agricultural sector and mitigate rising fuel costs for farming and transport.