On 24 June 2026, the EU Council published a statement from Italy outlining its position on the proposed regulations for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Cohesion Fund, and the European Social Fund (ESF) for the 2028-2034 programming period. Italy welcomed several improvements but expressed reservations on scope, funding, and technical assistance, warning that the proposals risk diluting cohesion policy's identity.
Italy positively assessed the inclusion of a "right to stay" article in the ERDF/Cohesion Fund Regulation, aimed at strengthening territorial attractiveness and access to services in fragile areas. It also welcomed strengthened provisions for disadvantaged areas, regional innovation, sustainable urban development, and the transfer of Interreg rules from the general NRPP Regulation to the sectoral regulation. Regarding the ESF Regulation, Italy welcomed stronger support for demographic transition and clearer specification of contributions to employment, skills, education, social inclusion, and poverty reduction.
However, Italy expressed reservations that the sectoral regulations do not sufficiently delineate the scope of cohesion policy funds and noted the absence of a dedicated financial allocation for Cohesion Policy. Italy's proposal for a sectoral annex identifying intervention areas and indicators for ERDF, Interreg, and ESF was not accepted. Italy also argued that fundamental rights and rule of law should be a horizontal principle, not an area of intervention for cohesion policy funds. Furthermore, Italy noted that the ESF Regulation does not provide for technical assistance interventions, unlike the ERDF, which Italy considers essential for effective programming.
The statement reflects Italy's insistence on preserving the identity of cohesion policy by ensuring clear scope, dedicated funding, and adequate technical assistance for the ESF. The Council is expected to continue negotiations on the legislative package, with the European Parliament also set to weigh in.