(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).
EU hails beach concession rules that 'must become reality'
'Infringment procedure closed when Italy will align with laws'