Sicily posts modest GDP growth and ramps up EU and regional investment

The Bank of Italy’s annual report shows that Sicily’s regional GDP rose by 0.6 % in 2025, slightly above the national average, while employment grew 0.9 % and the unemployment rate fell to 12.2 %. Public finances improved, with a surplus of over €2 billion and a per‑capita balance of €449 at the end of 2024.

Regional authorities are channeling new resources into strategic projects. The STEP high‑tech programme received 19 new proposals, totalling €250 million, to support advanced‑technology firms. EU and Cohesion Fund allocations total almost €5 billion, of which €90 million funded three desalination plants in Trapani, Gela and Porto Empedocle, and €115 million funded a multimodal logistics hub in Messina. Additional funding of €3.5 million was earmarked for municipalities that host or neighbour waste‑disposal sites.

Environmental initiatives include a €90 million budget for coastal‑erosion mitigation, with calls for a cohesive regional plan, and measures to maintain Sicily’s low per‑capita energy consumption. Together, these actions aim to sustain the island’s economic momentum, improve infrastructure, and enhance resilience to climate and environmental challenges.