Veneto Region Faces Billion‑Euro Deficit Over Pedemontana Highway and Winter Olympics Costs

A Corte dei Conti audit of the Veneto regional accounts for 2025 revealed a sharp increase in public spending on large infrastructure projects. The Pedemontana Veneta highway required a payment of €164.5 million to the concessionaire, €21 million more than the previous year, while toll revenues covered only €122 million, leaving a €42.5 million shortfall for the region. The audit warned that these outlays divert funds from other public services.

Opposition councillors also highlighted broader fiscal problems linked to the regional administration of former President Luca Zaia. The court‑ordered review uncovered over €1 billion in total regional debt and criticised the financial handling of the Milan‑Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, which was promoted as a cost‑neutral event but now shows a significant deficit. Critics say the combined strain on infrastructure, housing and health services threatens the sustainability of public finances in Veneto.