Fermo, September 5, 2026 – The season of the Blue Flags has just ended, but for coastal municipalities it is time to look at the next challenges. Among these is the path of the beach concessions, to be tackled with clear rules and defined timelines. It is from here that the mayor of Pedaso, Vincenzo Berdini, launched a proposal to the Marche Region, focusing on the Bolkestein directive. “The tenders should reasonably have a common legal approach – comments the mayor – to avoid possible and numerous appeals. Therefore, it is desirable that the Region be an active part in adopting a shared directive.”
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The concern
The concern mainly regards the differences between administrations. “Small municipalities – he adds – unlike large and structured ones, have to rely on external consultants, with the risk of encountering problems and higher expenses.” Hence the request for regional coordination that allows providing offices with a shared guideline. The goal is not to replace the competences of the municipalities, but to provide a shared tool to face a complex procedure potentially exposed to litigation.
A directive to be made available to offices
“It would be appropriate to have a directive to be made available to offices, a sort of tender template to refer to,” explains the mayor, emphasizing how a coordinated approach could streamline procedures and allow acting with greater economy and efficiency. What makes the issue even more current is the recent ruling of the Council of State, which with the sentence of August 18 reiterated that beach concessions must be reassigned through public tenders by September 30, 2027, respecting the principles of competition.
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The deadline does not constitute a new extension
The deadline does not constitute a new extension for current concessionaires, but the date by which procedures must be completed. A matter closely concerning many Marche administrations composed of more structured municipalities able to face the process with internal resources and competences, and smaller ones, for which the support of the Region would be a decisive element. Berdini’s proposal therefore aims to avoid each municipality acting individually, risking drafting a tender not properly set up with the risk of opening to appeals.
