Background information

The National Strategy discusses Europe's and Italy's commitment to combating climate change and achieving a sustainable, carbon-neutral future by 2050. Rooted in the Paris Agreement negotiated at COP 21 in 2015, it underscores the need to develop long-term strategies for low greenhouse gas emissions and shift towards a green economy, as emphasized by the European Commission's 'A Clean Planet for all' initiative and the Green Deal, championed by Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen. National strategies are expected to harmonize with these EU directives, considering both energy supply and demand.

Content of measure

The National Strategy aims to achieve climate neutrality in Italy by 2050. To do this, it is essential to offset greenhouse gas emissions with CO2 absorptions and potential techniques for geological storage and CO2 reuse.

The strategy sets out a two-phased approach: initially, a reference scenario is outlined based on targets set by the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) and considering dynamics such as GDP variations and the effects of climate change. Subsequently, measures to bridge the emissions gap are examined, focusing on three main strategies: reducing energy demand, shifting the energy mix in favour of renewable energies, and increasing absorption through practices such as reforestation. Finally, the Strategy emphasises the importance of investments and choices influencing technologies, infrastructures, and citizens' behaviors.

The required transformation will be significant and will need broad consensus among public policies, institutions, citizens, and businesses. While the Strategy is ambitious, it will require periodic updates to adapt to emerging changes and challenges.

Use of measure

The Economic and Financial Document 2023 drafted by the Ministry of Economy and Finance outlines various policies and measures introduced recently concerning energy and the environment. Notably, the Legislative Decree 8 November 2021, n. 199 implements the EU directive on the use of renewable energy, promoting both distributed generation and utility-scale renewable energy projects, along with support for biofuels and biogas. The D.L. 19 May 2020, n. 34 introduces the so-called 'Superbonus', providing tax incentives for deep energy and seismic retrofitting of residential buildings. Other legislative decrees from June and July 2020 address energy efficiency in the construction sector. Significant funds are designated for air quality improvement, especially in the Po Valley region, via laws from 2019. The National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Mobility commits funds for sustainable transportation in urban areas. The Decree Law n. 141 of 12 December 2019 funds experimental projects promoting sustainable school transportation.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Does not apply to workers	Applies to all businesses	Applies to all citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
National government Company / Companies Local / regional government	National funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Unknown	Unknown
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Unknown
• Main level of involvement: N/A

Involvement

No data about involvement.

Views and reactions

The main trade unions (CGIL, CISL, and UIL) support the strategy and believe that action on climate, the protection and restoration of ecosystems, the development of sustainable cities, and the ecological transition of economic and social activities are the key areas to invest in to ensure the country a robust and lasting economic recovery.

Sources

• 01 January 2021: STRATEGIA ITALIANA DI LUNGO TERMINE SULLA RIDUZIONE DELLE EMISSIONI DEI GAS A EFFETTO SERRA (www.mase.gov.it)
• 01 January 2023: Documento di economia e finanza 2023 (www.dt.mef.gov.it)