Energia, «con questi prezzi le imprese lombarde rischiano di fermarsi»

If energy prices continue to remain high in the coming weeks, there is a risk that the Lombardian system could come to a halt, warns Guido Guidesi, the Lombard Region's Economic Development Assessor. He emphasizes that the top priority for businesses in the region right now is the energy issue. Despite an increase in corporate revenue in the second quarter data, there is a further marginal reduction due to excessively high production costs.

Energy costs, along with supply costs in general, have risen significantly, particularly affecting transportation. The production system is operating at its limits, and now risks breaking. This is especially true for energy-intensive sectors. The issue is acute due to higher energy costs compared to 2022, following the energy shock after the Ukraine war.

The region, being the first manufacturing region in Europe, is deeply concerned about this situation. The energy issue is currently the only priority for businesses. If the situation persists, we would face serious difficulties with the risk of stopping production and consequences for the national economy. This would also limit the use of social safety nets.

For families, there is the risk of limiting consumption to cope with energy costs. The issue has not been addressed since 2022, in a context of continuous uncertainty and indecision at the European level. The Draghi report highlighted fundamental interventions, including energy price price transparency. The Commission has done nothing.

Now the problem is an emergency, but it needs structural answers: it is a situation that cannot be repeated. However, beyond the geopolitical causes known, we have no antidotes to protect businesses and families. What immediate interventions does the government and Europe need to request? Greater transparency in energy price formation and calculation, regulatory limits on financial speculation affecting prices, and a price cap to contain the effects of dynamics that have nothing to do with real production costs.

For more structural solutions, should we become more energy-independent, even with increased demand? We are open to all solutions, including strengthening a mix of sources, including nuclear. In Lombardy, we have passed a law on suitable areas, formalizing our readiness. The authorization timelines, however, are one of the structural elements that must be addressed.