On 6 November 2018, the European Commission adopted five major Cohesion Policy projects aimed at improving transport and water infrastructures and promoting the preservation of cultural heritage in the city of Naples. The funding is part of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), altogether worth 868 million euros.

The investment will allow the finalization of the works started in the previous 2007-2013 budget period, which will be completed between 2020 and 2022.

In particular, almost 111 million euros of the Cohesion Policy funds will be invested in the port of Naples, in projects falling under the so called ‘Grande Progetto’investment plan. The funding will be used to extend Napoli sewage network, upgrade its existing rail and road access, have its seabed cleaned, extend its dam Duca D’Aostaand install brand new solar panels.

Moreover, almost 67 million euros are intended to buy 10 new vehicles for Napoli’s metro line 1, which has already benefitted of about 430 million euros of Cohesion Policy funds of the previous budget periods, as well as national, regional and local sources. The metro line will allow to link Capodichinoairport with the city center.

For the next long-term EU budget, the European Commission is proposing 43.5 billion euros for Italy in Cohesion Policy funds, an envelope increased by 8.5 billion euros in current prices.

Sara Capruzzi