Italy reclaims public access to beaches
Italy is seeking to reorganize the utilization of its beaches along the Mediterranean Sea, after decades of private facilities dominating them, with the aim of guaranteeing everyone's right to free access to the coast. According to the law, beaches are considered property of the state and should be accessible to all. However, there are over 7,300 private establishments operated by family-run companies, sometimes linked to mafia activities, which charge high fees to beachgoers, averaging around 40 euros per day. Currently, authorities are working on demolishing illegal structures and investigating practices that violate regulations, in order to increase free beach areas from 1.2 to 6.5 kilometers in Ostia, and to convert some beaches to free use. This comes ahead of the upcoming European directive set to be implemented in 2027, which aims to promote competition and reduce prices. This shift faces differing opinions; some demand that the sea be a shared resource for everyone rather than a luxury commodity. Officials emphasize that the goal is to ensure fair access to the beaches, end monopolistic practices, and curb the imposition of high fees.
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