MEP Gaetano Pedulla' (The Left) has asked the European Commission whether alternative management models for hydropower concessions in Italy's autonomous regions, such as in-house production and public-collective partnerships, are compatible with EU law. The question, submitted on 2 July 2026, challenges the one-size-fits-all national approach to liberalising hydropower concessions, arguing that it overlooks the vulnerabilities of mountainous areas and the need for territorial security, infrastructure resilience, and local community needs.
The written parliamentary question seeks the Commission's view on whether models that prioritise public safety, multi-purpose water use, and the involvement of energy communities and cooperatives can comply with EU competition, transparency, and water protection rules. Pedulla' frames these alternatives as indispensable for social cohesion, environmental protection, and sustainable water management, in line with the Green Deal.
the Commission must clarify the legal compatibility of such models and specify what guarantees they need to meet EU requirements. This reflects a pushback against market liberalisation in the hydropower sector, advocating for public and collective governance over private competition.
The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal the EU's stance on balancing competition rules with regional autonomy and sustainability objectives in water management.