EU hails beach concession rules that 'must become reality'

(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 5 - A European Commission spokesperson on Thursday said a "common agreement" was reached with Italy on beach club licenses and the adoption of a draft decree is "an important step in the right direction, expressing the hope that an infringement procedure can be closed over an issue that has pitted Rome against Brussels, which wants more competition in the sector.
    However, added the spokesperson, Eric Mamer, an infringement procedure against Italy for breaching EU law in its handling of beach concessions announced by the European Commission in 2020 over the fact that concessions to beach establishments are automatically extended will be closed "only when Italian legislation will be fully in line with EU law".
    The spokesperson then stressed that cooperation with Rome will continue in order for the reform to become effective with the "new tender procedure within the expiration" date of 2027.
    "The government has made an important decision, now it must be transformed into reality".
    Under the draft decree being examined by the government, Italian beach club licenses are to be extended to September 2027 but "in the event of objective reasons preventing the completion of the tender procedure, they may be further extended until 31 March 2028".. (ANSA).