Development problems and Objective 1 structural assistance in Italy. Report

In a report by Mr Guido PODESTÀ (UFE, I), the Committee (Chair: Mr Roberto SPECIALE (PES, I)) experessed its deep concern over problems relating to the management of the Structural Funds in Italy. The worst problem, however, was according to the Committee the poor level of utilisation of Community funds alloctaed for Italy. For the period 1994-1995, only about 20% of the Objective 1 funding has been committed and less than 8% of payments were made. Apart from improvements in the cumbersome legislative framework and the sometimes ineffective administrative structures in Italy, the Committee called for the creation of a mechanism to transfer funds ear-marked for programmes that have been delayed to programmes already under way. In serious cases where resources are persistently underused the Committee called on the Italian government to designate alternative public agencies which could take over the implementation of the programmes. �