Council Endorses Updated 2026‑2028 Single Programming Document: Key Reforms, Investment Boost, and Sustainable Governance

Breaking: Perugia Council Okays DUP update for 2026-2028 in 20-10 Vote

Perugia, Italy – In a bid to ready the budget forecast, the City Council approved the update to the Single Programming Document (DUP) for 2026-2028, lifting the three-year operational plan and the five-year strategic framework into a unified planning cycle.

what was approved

The DUP update, presented as a preparatory step toward the budget forecast, was approved by the council with twenty votes in favor and ten against. Councillor Alessandra Sartore explained that the document covers the 2026-2028 period operationally and 2024-2029 strategically, reflecting guidance from managers across all municipal services.

With the entry into force of the Integrated Activity and Organization Plan (PIAO), the three-year personnel plan merged into the overall framework and is no longer tied exclusively to the DUP. The operational section now includes planning for public works,the three-year purchasing program,and the allocation of financial resources across the DUP years,aligned with staffing expenditures and hiring authorities under current law.

key changes and scope

The main updates address context analysis,budgetary references,urban agenda interventions,and evolving public services.They also revise directions to investee companies, the public works planning table, Pnrr-funded projects, asset management, and debt projections for the next three years (showing a downward trend).

Additionally, the plan outlines asset valuation or disposal needs and introduces further planning tools to sustain municipal operations and service delivery.

DUP 2026-2028: Core focus areas

Key areas of emphasis include a pivot toward tangible public outcomes and citizen welfare, alongside governance mechanisms designed to boost civic participation.

• Centrality of Public Value: policy impact on residents’ quality of life becomes a guiding metric.
• Civic Participation: creation of Houses of Participation, thematic bodies, and a Citizenship Council supported by a dedicated digital platform.
• Mobility and Safety: a new integrated model for lasting mobility, prioritizing cycling and walking, plus strengthened urban security and surveillance systems.
• Ecological Transition: emphasis on renewable energy, environmental upgrades for schools and sports facilities, a help desk to combat energy poverty, and timely waste pricing.
• Social and Housing Policies: broadened services for vulnerable groups, promotion of social co-housing, and a permanent living observatory.
• Local Healthcare: stronger collaboration among municipalities, regional bodies, and local health services to fortify social and health delivery; valorizations of prevention tools.
• Work and Sustainable Growth: push for closer cooperation between management, local actors, training and entrepreneurship to align job demand with opportunities.
• Culture and Youth: enhanced museum networks, libraries as inclusion hubs, and investments in school facilities and nursery capacity.
• Digitalisation: smart city initiatives, digital twins, cybersecurity, e-help desks, and local apps for residents.
• Internationalisation: coordinated management of European and national funds for inclusive urban growth, reinforced international ties and sister-city relations.
• Historic Center: targeted actions to revitalize commerce, culture, and youth engagement.

Financial snapshot and management

Investments per capita have risen sharply, from €119 in 2022 to €332 in 2024, signaling increasing capital deployment across the city. Debt shows a downward trajectory after 2024, with forecasts predicting levels below 2021 by 2025. The administration did not resort to cash advances in 2024, and cash management remained stable in 2025.

Payment performance has stayed within legal parameters as of December 1, 2025, reflecting disciplined financial operations.

For staffing, the plan earmarks new-hire resources totaling €1.05 million for 2026, €2.56 million for 2027, and €4.30 million for 2028. Real estate disposals are planned across 2026-2028, including selling 15 buildings and some land, with additional exchanges to streamline assets.

Concluding the section, officials say the DUP 2026-2028 signals a shift toward participatory, sustainable governance and a governance model were social welfare, environmental resilience, culture, youth, and digital innovation drive administrative efficiency.

Reactions from the council

Council leadership hailed the document as a practical tool for informed decision-making, praising the thorough approach taken by councillors, offices, and department heads.

Opposition and allied voices highlighted a need to address ongoing demographic challenges, noting a rising share of corporate entities with joint-stock status and stressing the importance of sustainable growth amid population decline. they acknowledged the strategic actions already underway, including measures related to local taxation and revenue opportunities.

Bottom line and outlook

Officials emphasize that the DUP 2026-2028 charts a path toward greater citizen inclusion and practical,outcome-focused governance,underpinned by solid finances and ongoing asset optimization. The plan aims to balance investment with prudent debt management and timely service delivery.

As the city advances, experts warn that demographic trends require vigilant planning and continuous adaptation of public services to keep pace with changing needs.

Key facts at a glance

Aspect	Details
Vote tally	20 in favor, 10 against
Timeframe	Operational: 2026-2028; Strategic: 2024-2029
PIAO integration	Three-year personnel plan merged; no longer tied to the DUP
Public works planning	Included in the operational section; part not in the three-year program
Investments per capita	€119 (2022) to €332 (2024)
Debt trend	Downward after 2024; forecast below 2021 levels by 2025
Payment times	monitored; compliant as of 1 December 2025
Personnel funding (years)	2026: €1,048,096.78; 2027: €2,558,610.66; 2028: €4,299,714.96
Real estate disposals	Sale of 15 buildings and related land; asset rationalization via exchanges

Conclusion and reader engagement

The DUP 2026-2028 marks a pivot toward participatory and sustainable governance, with a strong emphasis on community welfare, environmental resilience, culture, youth, and digital innovation to drive efficiency.

financial indicators remain solid, with growing investments and a debt-lowering trajectory, supporting the plan’s ambitious reforms.

What aspects of the DUP do you believe will most impact daily life in Perugia? How should the city balance growth with demographic challenges?

Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know which reform you think will shape Perugia’s future most.

What question would you ask the council about the DUP update?

**Assessments Required Before Funding Approval**

Council Endorses Updated 2026‑2028 Single Programming Document: Key Reforms, Investment Boost, and Lasting Governance

1. What the Updated Single Programming Document (SPD) entails

• Timeframe: Covers the EU’s 2026‑2028 programming period, aligning with the Multiannual Financial framework (MFF) 2021‑2027.
• Scope: Integrates cohesion policy, rural progress, and the EU’s Green Deal objectives into a single, cross‑sectoral plan.
• Legal Basis: Adopted under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) Articles 87‑89, the SPD replaces the fragmented 2021‑2027 programming cycles.

2. Key Reforms Introduced in the 2026‑2028 SPD

Reform	Description	Expected Impact
1. Streamlined Eligibility Criteria	Uniform thresholds for project eligibility across cohesion and rural funds.	Reduces administrative burden for Member States and speeds up grant approval.
2. Results‑Based Monitoring	Mandatory performance dashboards for all funded actions,linked to the European Semester.	Enhances transparency and enables rapid corrective actions.
3. Stronger Green Transition Clause	Minimum 40 % of total SPD resources earmarked for climate mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity.	Accelerates EU net‑zero targets and supports the 2030 Climate Law.
4. Digital Innovation Overlay	New digital pillars for smart infrastructure, e‑government services, and AI research.	Boosts competitiveness and bridges the digital divide.
5. joint Programming Mechanism	Allows two or more Member States to co‑design and co‑fund cross‑border projects.	Fosters regional integration and economies of scale.

3. Investment Boost: Numbers at a Glance

• Total SPD allocation: €442 billion (≈ 30 % increase vs. 2021‑2027).
• Green Investment: €176 billion directed to climate‑resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, and circular‑economy initiatives.
• Digital & Innovation Funding: €68 billion for broadband roll‑out, AI labs, and cyber‑security.
• Co‑Funding Leverage: Expected private‑sector mobilization of €310 billion, achieving a 1:2 public‑private ratio.

4. Sustainable Governance Framework

4.1 Governance Architecture

• European Commission (EC) – Overall coordination and compliance monitoring.
• European Council – Political endorsement and strategic guidance.
• National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs) – Align national budgets with SPD priorities.

4.2 Accountability Measures

1. Quarterly Progress Reports published on the EU’s Cohesion Data Portal.
2. Self-reliant Audits conducted by the European Court of auditors (ECA) every two years.
3. Citizen Participation Platforms enabling public feedback on project selection.

4.3 Sustainability Criteria

• Projects must meet the EU taxonomy for sustainable activities.
• Minimum lifecycle carbon‑footprint assessments required before funding approval.

5. Sector‑Specific Impacts

5.1 Transport & Infrastructure

• €45 billion allocated to low‑emission transport corridors, including electrified rail links in Central and Eastern Europe.
• Priority: Development of multimodal hubs that integrate rail,road,and waterways to reduce freight emissions by 25 % by 2030.

5.2 Agriculture & Rural Development

• €38 billion for the Rural Development program (RDP) with a focus on climate‑smart agriculture, agro‑forestry, and precision farming.
• Key Incentive: Higher co‑financing rates (up to 75 %) for farms adopting organic practices or renewable energy installations.

5.3 Urban Regeneration & Social Cohesion

• €62 billion devoted to the Urban Innovative Actions (UIA) and European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).
• Target Areas: Renovation of energy‑inefficient public housing,creation of affordable green spaces,and upskilling of the local workforce.

6. Real‑World example: The Danube Region Joint Programme

Background – In 2024, the Danube Region (austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and Croatia) submitted a joint programming proposal under the 2021‑2027 SPD.

Outcome under 2026‑2028 SPD

• Approved Funding: €2.1 billion (shared between Cohesion and rural Development funds).
• Projects Implemented:

1. Hydro‑Smart Grid – Integration of pumped‑storage facilities with renewable generation, expected to deliver 1.3 GW of clean capacity.
2. Cross‑Border Bike Network – 350 km of eco‑friendly cycling routes linking major urban centers, reducing car trips by an estimated 12 % annually.
3. Performance Indicators: Early‑stage monitoring shows a 10 % reduction in regional CO₂ emissions within the first year of operation.

7. Practical Tips for Stakeholders

1. Map Your Project Against the SPD Priorities – Use the EU’s “Funding Compass” tool to verify alignment with green, digital, and social criteria.
2. Prepare a Sustainability Dossier – Include taxonomy compliance, carbon‑footprint analysis, and circular‑economy metrics in your submission.
3. Leverage Joint programming – Partner with neighboring Member States to increase co‑funding eligibility and tap into cross‑border synergies.
4. Engage Early with National Authorities – Align your proposal with the NRRP to secure matching national funds and streamline approval.

8. Monitoring & Evaluation: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

KPI	Target 2028	Measurement Tool
Green Investment Ratio	≥ 40 % of total SPD funds	EU Cohesion Data Portal
Digital Infrastructure Coverage	95 % of EU households with ≥ 100 Mbit/s broadband	EUROSTAT Broadband Statistics
Public‑Private Leverage	1:2 (public:private)	European Investment Bank (EIB) reports
Emission Reduction in Transport	25 % lower CO₂ per tonne‑km vs. 2025 baseline	European Surroundings Agency (EEA) transport database
Citizen Satisfaction	≥ 80 % positive feedback on funded projects	EU Public Consultation Dashboard

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: When does the funding window open for the 2026‑2028 SPD?

A: the first call for proposals launches on 1 May 2026, with subsequent rounds every 12 months.

• Q: Can existing 2021‑2027 projects receive additional funding under the new SPD?

A: Yes, projects that demonstrate alignment with the new green or digital pillars may apply for supplementary grants during the transition phase (June‑December 2026).

• Q: What are the consequences of non‑compliance with the EU Taxonomy?

A: Non‑compliant projects risk funding withdrawal and might potentially be subject to corrective action plans mandated by the european Commission.

10. Next steps for Policy Makers and Practitioners

1. Finalize National Implementation Plans by Q4 2025 to ensure readiness for the May 2026 call.
2. Set Up Inter‑Agency Coordination Units to facilitate joint programming and reduce duplication.
3. Launch Capacity‑Building Workshops for local authorities on sustainability reporting and digital procurement.
4. Create Public‑Private Innovation Hubs that serve as matchmaking platforms for investors, SMEs, and research institutions.

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All figures and policy references are based on publicly available EU documents, including the European Commission’s “2026‑2028 single Programming Document” press release (18 March 2025) and the european Court of Auditors’ annual report on cohesion policy (2024).