Confesercenti campaign for local commerce protection

Confesercenti has initiated a national signature collection campaign to advocate for a legislative proposal titled ‘Measures for the urban regeneration of proximity commerce and services’. The initiative aims to combat commercial desertification by protecting local businesses, artisan workshops, and neighborhood services.

A primary feature of the proposal is the establishment of Special Proximity Economic Zones (ZESpro). These zones would grant regions and autonomous provinces the authority to implement revitalization programs, including tax incentives, administrative simplifications, and dedicated financial support. To fund these efforts, the proposal suggests utilizing a portion of taxes collected from e-commerce sales to assist physical retailers.

The campaign seeks to collect 50,000 signatures to urge government action. Support for the movement has been noted in Bolzano, where officials highlighted the importance of neighborhood shops for urban safety and employment. The initiative is also gaining momentum in Umbria and on the island of Ischia, where representatives argue that ZESpro status is vital to addressing high logistical costs and seasonal challenges.