Greater autonomy and leaner procedures to allow Lombardy to compete with Europe’s other major regions. That was the message delivered by President Attilio Fontana at the Rimini Meeting, speaking at the conference “Italy of businesses: roots and international vision” alongside, among others, Minister Adolfo Urso and Emilia-Romagna’s governor Michele de Pascale.
Fontana made clear that the push for autonomy is not about securing more financial resources. «We’re not asking for a single extra euro», he said, stressing instead the need for simpler regulations and faster decision-making, particularly to meet the needs of businesses.
The governor recalled Lombardy’s weight within the national economy: the region accounts for more than 23% of Italy’s GDP and over a quarter of its exports. Between 2021 and 2025, it also attracted 448 of the 1,158 foreign investment projects that came to Italy.
Another issue raised was competition from Switzerland, particularly felt in the border provinces. According to Fontana, more favourable conditions across the border end up drawing away skilled labour and investment, putting pressure on Lombardy’s production system.
In Rimini, the president also praised the entrepreneurial drive of Lombardy’s businesses and workers, pointing to innovation and swift decision-making as two key factors for maintaining competitiveness.
On the sidelines of the Meeting, Fontana also met Matteo Salvini at the pavilion of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport: the two exchanged a handshake and spent a few minutes together touring the stands.
