regioni

Regioni, in the Italian context, are the first-level administrative divisions of the state designed to decentralize governance and bring public administration closer to citizens. Each region has its own government structure, including a regional council (consiglio regionale) elected by residents and an executive body led by a president (presidente della giunta regionale). Regions create and apply laws, policies, and budgets within areas assigned to them, and they coordinate with municipalities and provinces on local planning, services, and development.

Powers and responsibilities vary by statute. Regions are typically responsible for health care management, transport and infrastructure planning, environmental protection, economic development, agriculture, housing, and cultural heritage. The central government retains authority over national defense, foreign policy, monetary policy, and certain nationwide standards, but most day-to-day regulatory powers are exercised at the regional level. Regions also manage local health services (the National Health Service in Italy is devolved to regional administrations) and regional planning and environmental regimes.

There are twenty Italian regions: fifteen with ordinary statute and five autonomous regions with special statutes granting broader legislative and administrative powers. The autonomous regions are Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Sardinia, Sicily, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, and Valle d'Aosta/Vallée d'Aoste (the latter with a unique framework for language and governance). Constitutional frameworks established in 1948 and subsequent reforms shape regional competencies, the functioning of regional councils and governments, and funding mechanisms. Regions receive funds from central transfers, regional taxes, and European Union funds, enabling tailored policies that reflect local needs and identities.