The Veneto Region has undertaken a significant institutional path aimed at obtaining forms of differentiated autonomy, as provided for in Article 116, third paragraph, of the Italian Constitution. This process, characterized by a strong involvement of the territory and citizens, stands out for its attention to the principles and rules of the regional system. Below, we analyze the fundamental stages of this journey towards autonomy.
The First Phases
Regional Law n. 15/2014 and the Consultative Referendum
The process had a formal start with the adoption of Regional Law n. 15/2014, which provided for the holding of a regional consultative referendum. On 22 October 2017, Venetian citizens expressed their opinion in favor of autonomy with a turnout of 57.2% and a consensus of 98.1% among voters.
The Veneto Council for Autonomy
Subsequently, the Veneto Council for Autonomy was established, a body that includes representatives of local autonomies, economic and productive categories, trade union forces, the third sector, universities and research. This ensures broad and inclusive representation in autonomy negotiations.
The Negotiating Delegation
Chaired by President Luca Zaia, the negotiating delegation is made up of illustrious constitutionalists and economic-financial experts, responsible for supporting negotiations with the State.
The Negotiations
Preliminary Agreement of 28 February 2018
The first negotiation phase ended with the signing of a preliminary agreement between the Government and the Veneto Region, which established the principles and method for the negotiation. This agreement marked the state’s formal commitment to differentiated regionalism.
The Shop with the Conte and Draghi Governments
With the first Conte government, negotiations resumed on 12 June 2018. Subsequently, under the Conte-bis government, on 23 September 2019, President Zaia presented a formal proposal to the new Minister for Regional Affairs. The path suffered a setback during the COVID-19 pandemic, but was resumed under the Draghi government, with declarations of commitment from government authorities.
The Meloni Government and the Calderoli Bill
With the installation of the Meloni government in 2022, the desire to advance the autonomy process was reaffirmed. On March 15, 2023, the Council of Ministers approved the so-called “Calderoli DDL,” which outlines the general principles for the attribution of further forms of autonomy to the ordinary statute Regions. This text was subsequently approved by the Senate and the House in 2024.
Conclusion
The path of differentiated autonomy in the Veneto Region represents an example of how the Regions can pursue greater autonomy within the Italian constitutional framework. Despite the challenges and interruptions, in particular those due to the pandemic, Veneto has demonstrated a constant desire for dialogue and negotiation with the State, aimed at obtaining an institutional structure that reflects the peculiarities and needs of its territory.
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