ROME, LAZIO, ITALY, March 11 – The improving business confidence among tertiary sector enterprises at the end of 2025 is now clashing with a new international scenario marked by the return of geopolitical tensions and the risk of further price increases. This was the key takeaway from the Confcommercio FVG’s economic observatory report for the fourth quarter of 2025, conducted with Format Research and presented yesterday in Pordenone.
Call for Immediate Action from Brussels and Rome
The report, presented at Confcommercio, included a direct appeal to institutions: timely tools from Brussels and Rome are needed to combat cost shocks. “It’s almost a mockery,” observed regional president Gianluca Madriz, “to note how the improved sentiment recorded at the end of the year is now confronted with the start of the new year accompanied by the noise of war, after months in which businesses looked to the future with greater confidence.”
Resilience Amidst Global Instability
The presentation, illustrated by Format Research’s scientific director Pierluigi Ascani, was also attended by Confcommercio presidents Fabio Pillon (Pordenone) and Antonio Paoletti (Trieste), and the deputy director of Udine, Antonio Dalla Mora.
In a world scenario described as “dramatically unstable,” Confcommercio FVG highlighted that businesses in trade, tourism, and services are still showing resilience, developed over recent years through the pandemic, energy crisis, and inflation. The overall mood remains one of cautious confidence: there is no euphoria, but a willingness to continue investing and planning despite the uncertainties.
Geopolitical Tensions and Energy Prices
“Tensions in the Middle East represent a clear risk factor, especially for the trend of energy and raw material prices,” the association emphasized. “It is essential that Europe and the national government implement timely tools to contain any new cost shocks.”
Business Sentiment and Future Outlook
The report detailed that while a certain level of optimism was present among businesses towards the end of 2025, the current geopolitical landscape has introduced new uncertainties. Many businesses had anticipated a period of stability and growth, only to be met with renewed global instability that directly impacts operational costs.
The tertiary sector, which includes trade, tourism, and services, has been particularly vulnerable to external shocks. The pandemic led to unprecedented disruptions, followed by an energy crisis that significantly increased operating expenses. Despite these challenges, businesses in Friuli Venezia Giulia have demonstrated a remarkable capacity to adapt and persevere.
Impact on Local Economy
The economic observatory report provides a comprehensive overview of the regional economy, highlighting key indicators such as consumer spending, investment trends, and employment rates. While some sectors showed signs of recovery and growth in late 2025, the looming threat of increased costs due to international conflicts could jeopardize this progress.
Confcommercio FVG’s call to action underscores the urgency of the situation. Businesses are seeking concrete support and protective measures from both national and European authorities to mitigate the economic fallout from escalating geopolitical tensions. The association stressed that without such interventions, the fragile recovery could be undermined, leading to potential job losses and reduced economic output.
Government and EU Response Expected
The appeal from Confcommercio FVG is expected to prompt discussions at both the national and European levels. Policy makers will need to consider a range of options, including financial aid, tax incentives, and regulatory adjustments, to help businesses navigate the volatile economic environment. The focus will be on ensuring that measures are implemented swiftly and effectively to prevent a significant downturn.
The association reiterated its commitment to working with all stakeholders to find sustainable solutions that support the region’s economic stability and growth. The hope is that through collaborative efforts, businesses in Friuli Venezia Giulia can continue to thrive despite the challenges posed by global events.
The report concluded that while the future remains uncertain, the resilience and determination of local businesses, coupled with timely governmental support, will be crucial in overcoming the current economic headwinds.
