September's agenda: five tests facing Italy's districts

As the Italian summer holiday recedes, the country's political class is turning its attention to the challenges awaiting it when parliament reopens in September. According to The Local Italy, there are five big issues on the agenda: the state budget, energy prices, labour-market reform, European funds and the continuing fallout from the summer's extreme weather.

For the Marche region, whose economy depends on small and medium-sized manufacturing firms in the shoe, leather and furniture districts, the most closely watched items are likely to be energy costs and the flow of European structural funds. These districts, which form the backbone of the region's export-oriented economy, are sensitive to the price of electricity and gas that powers their machinery.

The Local Italy's report notes that politicians will be preparing for these challenges as the country goes back to work, with the reopening of parliament setting the stage for a busy autumn of legislative activity. The outcome of these debates will shape the operating environment for businesses across central Italy.