Written question – 5G National Recovery and Resilience Plan investments in Abruzzo and possible state aid set-up – E-002067/2025

Question for written answer  E-002067/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Benedetta Scuderi (Verts/ALE), Ignazio Roberto Marino (Verts/ALE), Leoluca Orlando (Verts/ALE), Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE)

Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) allocates public resources to cover ‘market failures’ in areas with no 5G coverage. In the Abruzzo region, 5G networks are already up and running, NRRP contributions have been paid to Infratel Italy and proposals have been made by INWIT for new infrastructure. Under Articles 107 and 108 TFEU, to prevent competition distortion, the Commission must be notified of any state aid and declare it compatible.

In the light of the above:

• 1.Does the Commission intend to initiate the formal procedure provided for in Article 108 TFEU to assess the legality of the 5G NRRP investments in Abruzzo, checking whether the contributions to Infratel Italia and INWIT measures constitute unjustified state aid in areas that already have 5G coverage?
• 2.What measures does it intend to take to recover the sums paid out if those contributions turn out not to be compatible?
• 3.With a view to ensuring that resources are allocated correctly and transparently, providing coverage for areas without a network, and protecting and safeguarding the principles of free market and competition, does it consider it appropriate to issue specific guidelines for the identification of 5G ‘market failure areas’?

Submitted: 22.5.2025