Brussels – The center of gravity for regional policies and the allocation of European funds has moved towards the East, to the detriment of the regions of Southern Europe, alongside the Mediterranean Sea. Italy, one of the biggest contributors to the budget of the EU, is also one of its main beneficiaries, at least in absolute terms, for resources granted to the southern regions. Yet, our country struggles to spend the available resources. This is what emerges from Eurispes’ survey: “Italy in half. Lost opportunities: Italy is yet to spend more than half of its allocated resources.” There is a time limit within which to spend the money allocated for the 2007-2013 period: 31 December 2015. After this date, the funds committed by the EU will be automatically released. (9Colonne)
