The first edition of the Plan is set in a macroeconomic context characterised by a slowdown in European economic growth after the post-pandemic rebound and by increased pressure on the public budgets of European countries given the high levels of accumulated public debt.

In the programme scenario, the growth forecast by the government is the highest among the leading international forecasters. A central role in supporting this growth can be played by the rapid implementation of the NRP. It is therefore clear that maximum attention is needed from all levels of government for the rapid 'grounding' of the plan. Without the implementation of this it will be impossible to achieve the growth rates indicated by the government.

Confindustria shares the government's focus on the public accounts and the need to propose a realistic and, at the same time, credible and prudent fiscal policy path to structurally alleviate the high stock of public debt and related interest expenditure.

Concerning the chapter reforms, Confindustria welcomes the government's willingness to set up a multi-year strategy, however in several passages the indications contained in the Plan appear generic. Central factors for enterprises are: Transition 5.0, artificial intelligence and mini-reactors, maintenance of Decontribution Sud, refinancing of the tax credit Zes Unica Sud and a planning with a three-year time horizon.

An important accompanying reform to the NRP is the tax. The need to make a structural cut in the tax wedge and the amalgamation of tax rates for individuals is supported. It is hoped for an intervention on the contribution currently only paid by companies. Agreed on the need to combat tax evasion but in compliance with the principles of the taxpayer's statute.

In matters of housing and construction policieswe share the Government's commitment to implement policies to support the vulnerable. Confindustria is working on a project to find housing solutions for employees.

The government's commitment to support the growth rate of the health expenditure and the level of investment, but it would be necessary to introduce mechanisms to measure and evaluate the productivity of the system.

On the subject of competition and the justice system, the government's intention to strengthen the pro-competitive commitment is positive, but the considerations that the Plan devotes to the new discipline of fair compensation for professional services do not seem to be agreeable. Finally, the PSB pays little attention to bureaucratic simplification and the need to lighten the burden on businesses.

As for the investments, SACE Archimede's new measure to support infrastructure and production investments in the coming years appears positive, but the government's intentions regarding the future operation of the SME Guarantee Fund are unclear.

Concerning the research, We welcome both the government's intention to ensure full implementation of the PNRR and the introduction of KPIs to ensure sustainability of the interventions and to strengthen the collaboration between businesses and the research system. It is also important to give continuity to the interventions on training.