concessione

Concessione is an Italian noun derived from the verb concedere (to grant). It denotes the act of granting rights, property, or a service by a competent authority, and the resulting right itself. The term is used in several, related senses: a general permission; a formal grant or lease of use of public-domain assets; and a contract by which a public authority delegates the operation of a service or asset to a private party.

In law and public administration, a concessione is typically a long‑term arrangement that authorizes use or operation in exchange for consideration and compliance with conditions. It is distinct from a licenza (license) or autorizzazione (authorization) in that it creates a defined right to use or operate, usually governed by a contract and subject to renewal or revocation by the public issuer.

Concessione demaniale refers to the use of public-domain assets (for example beaches, docks, or highways) by a private operator under a concession contract. Concessione di servizi pubblici covers the management and delivery of a public service (water, transport, waste) by a private company, with standards, tariffs, and periodic reporting required.

In international trade, the term also appears as tariff concessions, commitments by states to reduce import duties or other trade barriers, often framed in agreements under the World Trade Organization or predecessor bodies.

In everyday language, concessione can also mean a concession in argument—a recognition of a point or compromise offered during negotiation.