Sicilian President calls for alliance to protect EU cohesion funds

Sicilian President Renato Schifani has called for an alliance to protect European cohesion funds for the islands. Speaking at a Confindustria meeting regarding the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, Schifani warned that while the European Commission's proposal maintains a nominal equivalence of approximately 78.3 billion euros for Italy, the combined impact of inflation and expenditure reclassification will result in a real contraction of available resources.

Schifani emphasized that cohesion policy serves as a structural investment tool with a high multiplier effect for Sicily. He also advocated for a multi-level and territorial governance model, resisting potential centralization within the new European architecture. To prepare, the Sicilian Region has begun drafting its regional chapter, aiming to complete a first draft by October that coordinates various regional needs and economic partnerships.