started · updated
Southern Italian economies show growth in first half of 2026
Reports from the Bank of Italy indicate moderate economic expansion in Calabria and Sicily during the first half of 2026.
In Calabria, the GDP grew by 1.3% compared to the same period in 2025, a rate slightly higher than the national average and the southern Italian average. This growth was driven by private non-financial services and construction, supported by PNRR investments. While employment rose by 1.6%, driven largely by self-employment, the region faces uncertainty due to inflationary pressures and energy costs.
Sicily recorded a GDP increase of 0.6%. Although this growth rate is lower than the national average, the region has seen significant long-term gains, including a 12.5% increase in employment compared to 2022. Key drivers include tourism, with a 6% increase in overnight stays, and construction. Regional officials have approved a 1.7 billion euro stability plan for 2027-2029 to support families, businesses, and young professionals to ensure structural development.
Entities
Alessandro Dagnino · Bank of Italy · Calabria · Milena Caldarella · Palermo · Renato Schifani · Sicily
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Credit is growing for both businesses and families in Sicily. www.dialessandria.it · www.lacronaca24.it
- [● 4 SOURCES] Sicily's GDP grew by 0.6% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. www.corrieretneo.it · www.dialessandria.it · www.lacronaca24.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The unemployment rate in Sicily was 10.3% in the first half of 2026. www.corrieretneo.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Employment growth in Sicily was driven by male workers and those aged 65 and older. www.corrieretneo.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] Approximately 80% of surveyed companies expect to close the fiscal year with a profit. www.dialessandria.it · www.lacronaca24.it
- [● 4 SOURCES] Rising energy costs are impacting corporate profit margins. www.corrieretneo.it · www.dialessandria.it · www.lacronaca24.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] Growth in Sicily was most sustained in the services and construction sectors. www.dialessandria.it · www.lacronaca24.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Sicily's growth rate of 0.6% is lower than Italy's national average of 0.9%. www.corrieretneo.it