Archive · March 2021
Progetto di Lustro
We call for a Green Renaissance! For years we have been asking governments for a turning point towards a fairer, more sustainable society, for people and for the environment. Too often economic reasons have been the excuse to put off a necessary and urgent change.
The context
Now that the money is there, there are no more excuses.
With the Recovery Fund, Europe made a massive injection of money available: a unique opportunity that called for bold, visionary and far-sighted choices. For us there was only one direction: looking after the “next generation”, who will end up paying much of the economic, social and environmental debt built up so far.
That is why many civil society groups felt the need to have their say on which projects to fund. Progetto di Lustro was born this way: a document written collectively in autumn 2020, signed by a large and varied group of organisations and presented in March 2021.
It asked for the funds to go only to far-sighted, bold projects able to:
- cut climate-changing emissions;
- guarantee participation;
- create social fairness and decent work, respecting people and the environment;
- protect public health and the land;
- build social and environmental resilience;
- protect minorities and gender balance.
The aim was to be able to measure, after five years, whether the country had really moved forward: public transport, accessible healthcare, schools, sustainable supply chains, fewer inequalities.
The proposals
Five flagship projects.
Lower emissions, lower energy bills
Efficient homes and production, energy income, energy communities
A more ambitious Superbonus, retrofitting at least 30% of social housing and public buildings, at least 1,000 MW of shared solar power against energy poverty.
A different way to produce and consume
Industry, businesses and farming: supply chains and a circular economy
Industry 4.0 centred on green innovation and sustainability; phasing out the 19 billion euros of environmentally harmful subsidies; at least 40% of farmland organic; plants to turn scraps and waste into new raw materials.
Getting around better, without polluting
Electric mobility and more railways
1,150 new regional trains, metros and trams; 1,500 km of extra regional railways, especially in the South; up to 30% of freight by rail; 500 km of tram and metro lines and 5,000 km of cycle routes in cities.
Safe, modern schools and universities
Investment in research and renovation
At least half of school buildings made earthquake-proof and efficient, 5 million trees around schools, digitalisation across the country, more research and transparent careers.
Safe, resilient places
Restoring polluted land and areas at risk of floods and landslides
Clean-up of at least 30% of polluted sites of national and regional interest, green infrastructure against land instability, 50 million trees, 50% more marine protected areas.
Targets to be reached within five years.
How to use the funds
Five principles for the Recovery Fund.
- TransparencyA digital system open to everyone to track spending, see who receives the funds and how projects are progressing: public monitoring against corruption and mafia infiltration.
- A coordinated planAssessing proposals within an overall plan, strengthening the skills in public administration needed to follow projects and their progress.
- Civic monitoringInvolving citizens and experts in overseeing spending and in measures against the climate emergency, including citizens’ assemblies chosen by lot, on the French model.
- InclusionDecent work and at least half of the resources to close the gender gap, as the European #halfOfIt campaign asks; room for young people and the most vulnerable.
- ResilienceInvesting with foresight in an ecologically and socially resilient society, ready to face ever more frequent climate events.
The government’s work
Five guidelines.
- HealthPutting health first as a primary good: more community healthcare, home care and permanent staff.
- Environmental conservation and restorationAn environment to value, restore and protect, in industry, trade, tourism and cities.
- Investing in the SouthClosing the gap in physical and digital infrastructure, with low-impact works and modern technology.
- Inland areas and small townsListening to the strengths of places where around 13 million people live and connecting them to the rest of the country.
- Social fairnessReducing inequality and making sure every person can take part in economic, cultural, political and social life.