Two Italian MEPs from The Left group have asked the European Commission whether delays in recruiting 2,200 experts for public authorities in southern Italy risk undermining the region's ability to implement EU-funded projects under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) and cohesion policy. Danilo Della Valle and Valentina Palmisano warn that the slow entry into service of successful candidates, despite shortlists being approved in May 2025, could jeopardise administrative capacity targets and the effective use of EU funds.
The written question, submitted on 15 April 2026 under Rule 144, cites recent findings by the Court of Auditors and points to regulatory uncertainties and national-level recruitment bottlenecks as aggravating factors. The MEPs specifically reference the 'Coesione Sud' competition, a key tool to strengthen public administration in southern Italy.
Concrete asks and policy orientation The question contains three concrete requests: first, whether the Commission is aware of the delays and if they could affect the achievement of administrative capacity targets under Regulation (EU) 2021/241; second, what tools the Commission will use to ensure member states guarantee adequate administrative capacity for EU funds; and third, whether specific steps are needed to prevent national-level delays from undermining the EU's economic, social and territorial cohesion objectives under Article 174 TFEU.
The MEPs' orientation is clearly pro-integration and pro-administrative strengthening, pushing for greater Commission oversight and intervention to accelerate recruitment. They frame the issue as a risk to cohesion policy's core goals, implying that current national efforts are insufficient.
Expected follow-up The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it shares the MEPs' concerns and what measures it may take, such as issuing recommendations, using technical support instruments, or linking disbursements to administrative capacity milestones. The response will also indicate the Commission's stance on balancing national ownership of recruitment with EU-level accountability for fund absorption.
← Atlas › News › Regions & Rural areas