General Assembly of Small Municipalities Concludes in Rome, Focusing on Administrative Capacity
Rome, February 20, 2026 – The General Assembly of Small Municipalities concluded today at the Roma Convention Center La Nuvola, following two days of intensive discussions aimed at strengthening the administrative capacity and addressing the daily challenges faced by Italy’s smaller demographic entities. The event, which commenced on February 19, brought together administrators and stakeholders from across the country.
The initiative’s primary objective was to amplify the voices of these territories, facilitate the sharing of experiences, and contribute to the formulation of concrete proposals for central administrations. This collaborative effort sought to devise new solutions for the institutional reinforcement of small municipalities.
The Concluding Event of the P.I.C.C.O.L.I. Project
The General Assembly served as the final event of the P.I.C.C.O.L.I. project, an initiative promoted by the Department of Public Function and implemented by ANCI (National Association of Italian Municipalities). Over its duration, the P.I.C.C.O.L.I. program developed a structured and widespread support model, engaging more than 1,500 entities throughout Italy. Through specialized support, operational assistance, and digital learning tools, the project has yielded tangible and measurable results.
Key areas of intervention included the development of models and solutions for public procurement, personnel management, budgeting, and recruitment. The project also fostered advanced experiences in territorial cooperation and access to European funds, providing practical tools and knowledge to participating municipalities.
Program of Works and Key Discussions
The wealth of expertise and best practices accumulated through the P.I.C.C.O.L.I. project was central to the two-day event in Rome. Yesterday afternoon, four parallel thematic sessions were held, involving mayors, officials, and stakeholders. These sessions focused on the main strategic issues confronting the administration of small municipalities.
Discussions centered on critical topics such as personnel management, associated management models, budgeting and financial management, and the specific needs of the residents in these territories. The overarching goal was to develop operational proposals to be presented to institutional bodies.
The Plenary Session of February 20
This morning, February 20, was dedicated to the conclusive plenary session, a pivotal moment for synthesis and institutional dialogue. During this session, the proposals generated from the previous day’s discussions were debated in the presence of top representatives from ANCI, the Department of Public Function, and the Italian Government. This high-level engagement underscored the importance of the issues at hand and the commitment to finding effective solutions for small municipalities.
The event highlighted the ongoing efforts to empower local administrations and ensure their sustainability and effectiveness in serving their communities. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to inform future policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening local governance across Italy.
