The European Commission on Friday approved the payment of the seventh tranche of Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), worth €18.3 billion.
The NRRP is the blueprint for using €194.4 billion in EU grants and low-interest loans from the bloc’s post-Covid Recovery Fund. The programme aims to make Italy’s economy greener, more competitive and better equipped for the digital era.
Each payment from Brussels is conditional on Italy meeting agreed milestones, which include structural reforms, infrastructure improvements and sustainability projects. The latest disbursement takes the total received by Italy to €140.4 billion, representing 72% of the full allocation.
European Affairs Minister Tommaso Foti said the payment confirmed Italy’s leadership among EU nations in implementing recovery plans. “It follows the successful submission of the request for the payment of the eighth instalment. This will make it possible to exceed the €153-billion mark, approximately 79% of the plan’s total financial allocation,” he said. “This proves that 100% of the planned objectives have been achieved in full compliance with the timetable set by the Commission.”
Latest funds for renewable energy and rail accessibility
According to the Commission, the latest funds will support projects aimed at boosting competition and transparency. It also covers improving rail accessibility for passengers with disabilities, and expanding the distribution capacity for renewable energy.
The NRRP has already funded a wide range of initiatives, from modernising schools and hospitals to upgrading high-speed rail lines and digital networks. It is also central to Italy’s pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase its share of renewable energy in line with EU climate targets.
The eighth payment, once approved, will bring Italy close to the final stages of the plan scheduled for completion by 2026. The government wants to maintain momentum to ensure all projects reach their conclusion. This way, the country fully benefits from the unprecedented EU funding package.
