The so-called Asset decree, which attempts to encourage investment while protecting the national interest, was approved by the Chamber yesterday with 155 yes votes, 108 negative votes, and two abstentions. The approval came with a number of adjustments that make it a legislation focused on a variety of issues, ranging from increased taxi license fees to more expensive flights to a bank profits tax. But there's also blue crab and vineyards. The decree strengthens the Antitrust Authority's investigative and sanctioning powers in air transport: in the event of conduct restricting competition or abuse of dominant position by airlines, implemented with algorithmic techniques and with special reference to island routes, especially during peak demand or national emergencies, the Authority can initiate investigations to protect the free market and the consumer. User profiling is also forbidden. Another new feature of the decree is the requirement for airport administrators to declare the subsidies they receive from airlines in order to promote greater openness. Where there is a high risk of price increases, the competent authorities shall determine the maximum tariffs applicable to carriers receiving public service responsibilities. In the contract notice, the highest tariff amount must be written down. The measure is also meant to meet the growing need for taxis: the big municipalities in the regions, or municipalities with an airport will finally be able to give out more licenses, up to 20% more than they already have. Municipalities will also be entitled to provide extra, temporary, and/or seasonal licenses to existing holders. Concerning so-called additional earnings of banks, among other things, the rule remodulates the maximum amount of extraordinary tax that can be paid by the individual bank, which is now equivalent with 0.26% of the weighted assets rather than 0.1% of the assets. On the subject of relocation, the decree extends from five to ten years the period of time that a large company receiving a public subsidy must remain in Italy if it wishes to retain the subsidy. A clause of the regulation allows the Ministry of Economy to acquire up to 20% of Netco. Greater funding are also planned for the wine sector: the Solidarity Fund for the Wine Sector, which has been harmed by downy mildew, a plant disease, will be increased from 1 to 7 million euros. There is also an additional 500 thousand euro investment to assist consortia and enterprises in the aquaculture sector in dealing with blue crab proliferation.
|