CATANZARO – 1 JULY 2025. The construction sector, always a driving force of the Calabrian economy, is now facing a slowdown that requires deep reflection on future strategies. This is what emerges from the report Regional Scenarios of Construction 2025, presented yesterday by Ance Calabria at the regional headquarters in Catanzaro, which depicts a situation in which the dynamism of the sector risks being compromised by declining estimates and growing uncertainties.
The event was opened by Roberto Rugna, president of Ance Calabria, who recalled the value of work and human capital in the construction sector, paying tribute with a plaque to Rosario Branda, director of Confindustria Cosenza, recognized as an example of “dedication, seriousness, competence and professionalism.”
What is worrying is not only the future of the sector, but also the demographic context. Rugna highlighted how the region has lost 11% of its population in the last 25 years. “We have companies that have grown in quality and structure, but we are facing a progressive depopulation and a chronic shortage of skilled labor,” he explained.
Hence the need to invest in training, starting from schools and building pathways that facilitate the entry of young people into the labor market. A commitment that Ance Calabria is carrying forward in collaboration with the Region and the Infrastructure Councillor.
According to data processed by Prometeia for the National Association of Building Contractors, Calabria will see in 2024 a contraction in construction investments of ‑5.5% in real terms compared to the previous year. The drastic reduction of tax incentives linked to energy efficiency – the so-called Superbonus – and the end of credit transfer and invoice discounting have heavily affected the sector. The Enea-Mase monitoring numbers are clear: from 1.2 billion euros of works carried out in 2023, it dropped to 533 million in 2024.
The forecasts for 2025 are no more comforting. The further adjustment of tax rates will penalize extraordinary residential maintenance, with a further drop in investments estimated at ‑7.1%. In the first three months of the current year, the works started were eight times lower than in the same period of 2024: 58 million compared to 478. The only positive element remains the public works sector, supported by the progressive implementation of projects linked to the Pnrr, which however – according to the report – will not be enough to compensate for the downsizing of residential redevelopment.
“Mafia infiltrations do not concern only the Bridge over the Strait, but all major works in progress: the Statale 106, the new hospitals, the Sibaritide hospital, where two attacks have already occurred. It is clear that the situation is serious and requires maximum attention. We ask the State to be close to us: we entrepreneurs are doing our part, but concrete and continuous support is needed to defend legality and strengthen Calabria,” declared Giovan Battista Perciaccante, vice president of Ance nazionale with responsibility for the South.
Perciaccante recalled how the construction sector has experienced an intense phase in recent years, thanks to the 110% Superbonus first and now with Pnrr funds: “We have recorded an 8% growth in GDP, a figure higher than the national average since 2007. However, now it is necessary to carefully plan the future, addressing the complexities related to the management of European resources.”
A note also on the critical issues of small local administrations: “Major works are followed by structured procurement centers, but small municipalities often do not have adequate technical offices to manage complex projects. It is necessary to strengthen skills and reduce bureaucracy in procedures.”
On the Bridge over the Strait, Perciaccante reiterated the association’s position: “It is a strategic work not only for Calabria and Sicily, but for the whole of Europe. It would connect 5 million Sicilian citizens to the continent and generate significant economic benefits for the entire South. We are in favor of its construction, provided it is accompanied by legality, transparency and administrative capacity.”
Flavio Monosilio of the Ance Study Center also sounded the alarm, pointing out that, after the post-pandemic boom, we are entering a new phase of reduced investments at both national and regional levels. “Companies,” he explained, “are still active thanks to Pnrr projects, but a long-term vision is needed. The risk is to fall back into stagnation, with serious consequences for the entire Calabrian economy.” In Calabria, in fact, about 50% of industrial employees work in the construction sector. A sector that, without continuity and without planning, risks losing its centrality.
“Depopulation means impoverishment,” declared the regional councillor for Education and Public Works, Maria Stefania Caracciolo, highlighting the Region’s commitment to training, education and enhancement of human capital. She illustrated the measures put in place to counter the flight of young people, such as projects for the 0-6 age group, the school psychologist, vouchers for families, strengthening of basic skills and the “Live and Discover Calabria” initiative.
The councillor then highlighted the strategic role of Calabrian universities, recalling in particular the encouraging data from Unical, where 75% of graduates find work within a year and 50% remain in Calabria.
On the infrastructure front, she illustrated an investment plan exceeding 2 billion euros, including Pnrr, FSC and regional funds, destined for school construction, coastal defense, urban redevelopment and hospitals. Added to these are 190 million for the electrification of the Ionian area, 215 million for airports and 13.5 billion for works related to the Bridge over the Strait.
“Resources are not lacking today,” she concluded, “but we must work together to develop skills, strengthen access to credit and build inclusive development. If everyone does their part, we have everything we need to stop depopulation and give a future to our land.”
The prefect of Catanzaro, Castrese De Rosa, emphasized the risks related to public contracts: “Where there is a river of money, the appetites of crime are awakened. Attention and security are needed: this is the first objective, before profit.”
“Construction is a strategic sector that, if it moves, drags the whole economy with it,” he added, “but precisely because it involves large public resources, it is also among the most exposed to the risk of mafia infiltration. For this reason, it remains under the utmost attention of the Prefecture.” De Rosa announced the imminent signing, at the Prefecture, of the first Territorial Pact for safety in the workplace, born following the tragic fatal accident in Lamezia Terme. “Safety must come before profit,” he reiterated.
“We are also working on a second protocol against usury and extortion,” he added, “which will involve the Region, the diocese, trade unions and the banking system. We want to encourage reporting and make known the concrete tools that the State makes available to victims. I believe in the value of listening,” he concluded, “and only by working as a network can we make the sector safer and more transparent.”
“Our leitmotiv has always been to put people at the center,” finally declared the general director of Ance, Romain Bocognani, speaking on the issue of safety on construction sites. He highlighted the importance of cross-sector training: “60% of accidents on construction sites involve companies from other sectors that operate there temporarily and are often not adequately trained.”
Bocognani explained that Ance has been working for years with trade unions to introduce mandatory training courses for all categories involved on construction sites: “The culture of safety cannot be partial, it must be a common heritage of all those involved in the work.”
In a context marked by global uncertainties and difficulties for export-oriented sectors such as agri-food and chemicals, the full implementation of the Pnrr and solid planning remain the keys to avoiding a new halt in the construction sector and ensuring concrete development prospects for Calabria.