Sicily posts modest GDP growth; Governor Schifani praises Bank of Italy report

The Bank of Italy’s annual report on Sicily’s economy shows the region’s gross domestic product expanded by 0.6 % in 2025, a pace slightly above the national average. Growth is driven by industry, construction, exports – notably shipbuilding, agri‑food and electronics – and significant public‑works spending linked to the PNRR. Employment rose 0.9 % in 2025, reducing unemployment to 12.2 %, though it remains roughly twice the Italian average. Public finances improved markedly: the regional deficit was eliminated, delivering a surplus of more than €2 billion and an active balance of €449 per capita.

Regional President Renato Schifani welcomed the data, saying the trend confirms the right direction and urging consolidation through investment attraction, streamlined procedures and measures to retain youth talent, such as the “South Working” programme and de‑contribution incentives backed by €654 million over three years. He also defended his administration against criticism of the regional water utility Siciliacque, noting that the company’s debt issues pre‑date his term and that the region injected €10 million in 2024 together with a €30 million network‑rehabilitation project.

Overall, the report underscores a cautious optimism for Sicily’s economy, while political leaders stress the need to translate modest growth into broader development and to address longstanding structural challenges.