Unimpresa warns: the numbers reveal a huge gap between formal goals and actual implementation. Italy must triple spending pace or risk losing EU funding
Illusion of progress: EU goals met, but money still unused
According to the Unimpresa Research Center, actual PNRR spending as of December 31, 2024, stands at 21.9% if tax credits like the Superbonus and Transition 4.0 are excluded. While total disbursed funds reach €63.9 billion (32.9% of the plan), only €42 billion went to real, operational projects.
That means 70% of measures spent less than 25% of allocated funds, and 45% spent less than 10%. These figures paint a worrying picture of delayed implementation and unused resources, revealing a public administration unable to execute.
Social inclusion, cohesion and health missions lag behind
The most delayed areas include the “Inclusion and Cohesion” and “Health” missions, both under 20% of their allocated budgets. Even more alarming: the transport sector has achieved just 13% of its targets, and environmental sustainability measures barely reach 9%.
The main issue? Not cash flow, but administrative red tape, slow tenders, incomplete executive projects, and authorization delays. The Court of Auditors confirms: the problem lies in governance and execution, not funding.
Triple speed needed: an impossible race ahead?
Unimpresa sounds the alarm for 2025–2026. To complete the PNRR on time, Italy must triple its current spending pace, reaching over €65 billion per year — compared to the current average of €19.5 billion.
This would require an unprecedented acceleration, which seems unrealistic given the current institutional inefficiencies. “It’s not enough to allocate funds,” warns Manlio La Duca of Unimpresa. “We need real simplification, strict monitoring, and a specialized task force.”
Not all bad news: key achievements in digital and energy
Despite the bottlenecks, Italy has formally met all 67 EU milestones and targets for the second half of 2024.
Bright spots include:
- Digitalization of public administration: over 4,300 entities migrated to certified cloud systems (more than double the 2,000 target)
- Agrisolar Park Program: 21,000 projects financed, 95% of funds used
- Smart grid expansion: 1,800 megawatts of capacity vs. the 1,000 MW target
- EV charging infrastructure: 23,000 fast-charging stations awarded
These results prove that, with the right conditions, the system can deliver.
Final warning: lose the funds, or lose the future
The PNRR is Italy’s biggest chance for transformation in decades. But if the country fails to overcome its administrative inertia, it risks not just losing EU money — but wasting a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
FAQ
What is “real” PNRR spending?
It refers to funds used for actual projects and infrastructure, excluding tax credit mechanisms.
How much has been spent so far?
Only 21.9% of the total, about €42 billion.
Which sectors are lagging behind?
Transport, environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and healthcare.
Why is the money not being used?
Mainly due to bureaucratic delays, incomplete plans, and authorization issues.
What is at stake?
Losing access to EU funds and missing a historic modernization opportunity.
Were any goals achieved?
Yes. All 67 EU targets for 2024 were met.
What are some success stories?
Cloud migration for PA, smart grid expansion, Agrisolar projects, EV charging points.
Is meeting formal EU targets enough?
No. Real implementation is what matters most.
What’s the required pace now?
Over €65 billion per year — three times the current rate.
Who released these figures?
Unimpresa Research Center, based on Court of Auditors data.
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