Interview with Massimiliano Fedriga, President, Friuli Venezia Giulia Region

20 May Interview with Massimiliano Fedriga, President, Friuli Venezia Giulia Region

How does Friuli Venezia Giulia’s location and historical significance contribute to its role as a strategic region for Italy, both culturally and economically?

Friuli Venezia Giulia, thanks to its strategic location, is a gateway not only for Italy but for all of Europe, particularly Central and Southern Europe. With the EU’s eastern expansion, the region has become even more crucial as a link between Eastern Europe and the rest of the world. Our strong logistics network, led by the Port of Trieste, the busiest in Italy, enhances this role. Historically, the region has served as a bridge between Italy, Europe and the Balkans, offering major opportunities for growth. Nearshoring with the Balkans is especially promising, rooted in shared Western values we proudly uphold.

With a 9% growth in tourism in 2024 and over €2 billion in revenues, Friuli Venezia Giulia has become a major travel destination. What measures has your government taken to develop tourism further?

That is exactly one of our goals. Friuli Venezia Giulia offers a unique, non-mass tourism experience, which has become increasingly attractive as major cities like Rome, Milan and Florence face overtourism. We focus on sustainable, slow tourism — high-quality experiences that respect both visitors and local communities. Despite being a small region, we offer incredible variety: in just 90 minutes, you can go from hiking in the Alps to swimming in the Adriatic, passing through art cities and wine and food hubs along the way.

How is Friuli Venezia Giulia positioning itself as a leader in innovation and trade? Could you share some insights into your industrial development plans and the impact of these projects?

Friuli Venezia Giulia was the first Italian region recognized for strong innovation. This success comes from the synergy between public policies and a dynamic industrial ecosystem, bringing together both large manufacturers and startups. On the public side, we support innovation through tax incentives, credits and grants that help companies optimize production and reduce environmental impact.

Friuli Venezia Giulia is Italy’s leading region in photovoltaic energy. We have supported both companies and citizens with €210 million in funding, benefiting 28,000 recipients. This makes us the top region in solar energy adoption, well ahead of the rest of the country. Together with Slovenia and Croatia, we have launched the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley to develop hydrogen-based energy and related technologies. While hydrogen isn’t yet cost-effective, we are investing long-term to ensure future sustainability and competitiveness. We are also building an energy hub in Friuli Venezia Giulia to support companies developing next-generation energy solutions, supported by growing international collaborations.

The €1 billion redevelopment of Trieste’s Old Port and cross-border collaborations have strengthened FVG’s global connections. What are some of the region’s recent transformative projects and how do they align with your vision for Friuli Venezia Giulia’s future?

The Old Port of Trieste, led by the city and supported by the region, is Europe’s largest waterfront redevelopment project. Friuli Venezia Giulia will host regional entities there and launch a startup hub in collaboration with US companies. It’s a major opportunity for both Trieste and the wider region.

We are also revitalizing former industrial zones, which have seen strong demand from companies resettling. Due to this success, we are identifying new sites and we have allocated funds to revive small towns and villages by attracting businesses and services to make these areas vibrant again.

How is digitalization shaping the region’s growth and what innovative approaches are being adopted to ensure Friuli Venezia Giulia remains competitive on a global scale?

Friuli Venezia Giulia is the only Italian region that owns its fiber optic infrastructure. We are using it to connect remote “white areas,” support business growth and provide high-speed access to schools and training centers. Over 90% of municipalities now offer digital one-stop shops for companies and over 80% have similar services for housing. We’ve also launched digital training programs for seniors to ensure no one is left behind in the digital transition.

What message would you like to share with USA Today readers about Friuli Venezia Giulia and its importance for Italy and the wider world?

Friuli Venezia Giulia offers a strategic location, not just for Italy, but for all of Europe. Our region shows strong economic growth, efficient public administration and excellent infrastructure, including the Port of Trieste. We offer real competitive advantages for investors, with strong international connections. Those who invest here aren’t just choosing Italy, they are choosing Europe.