Italian Government Prepares Beach Concession Reform: Extensions and Free Beaches

The Italian government is preparing a new law to reform beach concessions, a topic that has been the subject of ongoing negotiations between Rome and Brussels. While the initial draft was expected after the summer break, the final text is now projected to be finalized by September. The reform aims to address the delicate balance between extending existing concessions and creating more free beaches. The new legislation proposes extending current concessions until 2029, with the duration based on the regional percentage of occupied coastline. In case of a change in concession ownership, the outgoing concessionaire will receive compensation based on the assessed value of the establishment. New concessions will have a validity period ranging from five to twenty years. This reform has the potential to significantly reshape Italy’s coastline and beach management.