Giuridico e Amministrativo

📂 EU's new digital visa entry system's launch delayed to October 2025, previously expected before summer peak. Travelers will need online authorization to enter Schengen countries, providing personal details and trip information, with a fee of €7. Anticipated increased document check times at airports and ports, especially in the UK. The e-visa will be valid for 3 years.

✈ Ryanair targets Trieste with expansion plans, introducing three new routes to Lamezia, Prague, and Stockholm, plus increased frequencies on nine existing routes, including Barcelona, Bari, London, Cagliari, and Olbia. CEO Eddie Wilson credits the synergy with local institutions and mentions the pivotal abolition of the municipal surcharge by President Fedriga in 2024, leading to a doubled passenger traffic at 1.1 million per year. Summer 2025 will see a 35% capacity increase and a two-aircraft fleet based in Trieste.

💸 Christian Garrone of I4T reports a 20% sales increase in early March 2025 compared to their best month in 2024. I4T is leading in insurance solutions, support, and technology for trade, with a positive sales trend in Q1 2025. They are revamping products and launching a new legal protection policy for passengers, enhancing real-time compensation verification for delays or cancellations. I4T emphasizes the strategic role of AI, insisting on thorough training for effective use while maintaining the irreplaceable human element in customer interactions.

🏁 In Estonia, a webinar organized by the Estonian tourism board and TTG Italia is scheduled for today at 14:00. It introduces the "Visit Estonia Treasure Hunt" event from June 15 to 20, where participants will explore Estonia in teams, deciphering clues to find cultural treasures, historical gems, and local flavors. Details and registration are available through the provided webinar link.

✈️ The Spanish pilots' union, Sepla, warns of negative effects due to slowdowns in aircraft production, impacting flight hours, experience accumulation, and training. These delays, extending from the pandemic, have persisted as production fails to meet the surged demand post-travel restrictions. Shortages of chips, components, and raw materials also affect simulator availability and training programs, challenging pilots' license and certification maintenance, especially for those early in their careers, and reducing international route options for long-haul flight experience.

🛥 On March 14, 2025, Patrizia Scarchilli from the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport signed decree n. 40, establishing the professional title of 2nd class pleasure navigation Officer with its theoretical and practical exam program. Confindustria Nautica, represented by Saverio Cecchi, welcomed the decree, which addresses a 20-year gap since the suspension of the previous pleasure craft certification and aligns with the 2005 decree reform by Minister Salvini. The decree mandates nautical schools to conduct the courses, requiring candidates to pass three exam parts: charting exercises, an interview, and a sea trial on vessels over 15 meters. Candidates failing any part can retake it once within 12 months. Exams are held at least semiannually at maritime offices and published on their websites. Certain professionals and those with specific certifications are exempt from parts of the exam. The initiative aims to meet the demand for approximately 2,000 nautical sector workers.

🛫 European passenger air traffic increased by 6.9% in January compared to the previous year, reflecting a demand resilience. Non-EU+ airports surpassed January's figures with a growth of 11.4%, while EU+ airports saw a 6% increase. International traffic grew by 8.3%, with domestic up by only 2.7%, still -12.5% below pre-pandemic levels. Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Poland, Denmark, and Greece all experienced double-digit growth. Germany, Ireland, Sweden, and Slovenia lagged due to economic weakness, internal market challenges, and aviation taxes. Israel led non-EU+ countries with a 77.7% increase, while Ukraine's airports remain closed due to war. Istanbul Airport topped with 6.4 million passengers, a 7.1% increase over January last year. Heathrow and Paris-CDG followed with 6.3 million (+5.3%) and 5.3 million (+10.5%), respectively. Madrid and Amsterdam rounded out the top five. Istanbul Sabiha Gökcen and Rome Fiumicino recorded the highest growth rates of 16.2% and 11.3%, respectively.

🚨 The railway strike on March 19 was reduced from 24 hours to 8, starting at 9:01 am and ending at 4:59 pm, affecting FS Group, Trenitalia, Trenitalia Tper, and Trenord staff. Modifications to service may occur before and after the strike. Refunds for Intercity and Frecce can be requested from the strike announcement until the train's departure; for Regional trains, until 24 hours before the strike. Alternatives include rescheduling trips based on availability. Real-time updates are available on the Trenitalia app, Trenitalia website, and trenitaliatper.it. For assistance, contact the free number 800 89 20 21 or seek station personnel.

🏡 The ATECO ISTAT code, crucial for property managers in Italy for tax and statistical purposes, was revised on January 1, 2025. The new ATECO 2025 system introduces distinct codes for Bed and Breakfasts and vacation rentals, and a specific code for property managers, providing a clearer classification. By January 1, 2025, managers must ensure their business information aligns with the new ATECO ISTAT structure, with automatic updates by Italian Chambers of Commerce anticipated. Non-compliance may lead to regulatory issues, missed incentives, and potential fines.

💸 The European Union is revising compensation rules for flight delays, affecting passenger protections for delays over 3 hours, under regulation 261/2004. Compensation varies: €250 for flights up to 1500km, €400 for 1500-3500km, and €600 for longer distances. Flights must depart from or arrive in the EU (including Switzerland). Poland, as EU Council President, proposes extending compensation delay to 5 hours, and 12 hours for long-haul flights. Last year, 2% of flights qualified for €2 billion in total compensation. Consumer associations estimate that 85% of passengers currently eligible for compensation would lose that right under new rules due to most delays being under 5 hours.