Basilicata regional budget adjustment dispute

The Basilicata Regional Council is reviewing a budget adjustment bill for the 2026-2028 period. Regional President Vito Bardi characterized the measure as a technical act designed to adjust budgets and prevent the loss of existing resources, including the registration of an 18.5 million euro surplus from 2025. A key objective of the bill is to safeguard European and national funds, specifically ensuring the utilization of the Complementary Operational Program (POC) before its December 31, 2026, deadline.

Opposition members have criticized the adjustment, accusing the majority of mismanaging environmental compensation funds derived from extractive activities. Critics claim these funds, originally intended for photovoltaic projects, are being redirected to cover budget deficits and maintain existing measures such as the ‘Bonus Gas’ rather than being used for development, employment, or services for students and citizens with disabilities. Additionally, opposition leaders raised concerns regarding accounting procedures involving nearly 29 million euros that oil companies indicate will only be paid after December 31, 2026.