Italy could merge Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia into a single region; understand the plan

Italy could take on a new administrative configuration in the country’s northeast. A political proposal calls for merging Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia into a single region, called “Venezie,” which would have special status and greater financial autonomy.

The plan is backed by regional councilor Alessio Morosin of Liga Veneta Repubblica and gained prominence after a hearing held Oct. 22, 2026, in Trieste, at the Institutional Affairs Committee of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Regional Council.

The idea comes amid dissatisfaction among municipalities in eastern Veneto that are considering leaving the region to join Friuli-Venezia Giulia, where administrative and tax conditions differ.

Despite the discussions, the merger remains a political proposal. There has been no formal approval to merge the regions, nor has a timetable for the change been set.

Why municipalities want to leave Veneto

One of the main focal points of the discussion is San Michele al Tagliamento, a municipality of about 11,000 residents that includes Bibione, one of the best-known tourist destinations on the Italian coast, one of the best-known tourist destinations on the Italian coast.

The municipal administration plans to hold a new referendum to ask residents about the possibility of transferring to Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

A similar attempt took place in 2005, but it failed to secure the support needed for the change.

The president of the Municipal Council, Sergio Bornancin, told Venezia Today that the population maintains strong economic, social and cultural ties with Friulian territory.

According to him, residents use health care services in Latisana, work in neighboring cities and maintain everyday ties with municipalities in the other region.

The difference in autonomy also weighs on the discussion. While Veneto has ordinary status, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is one of five Italian regions with special status, which have their own powers and distinct funding rules.

Plan calls for a macro-region called “Venezie”

Rather than allowing municipalities to leave Veneto, Alessio Morosin proposes a broader reorganization: merging the two regions into a new administrative entity with special status.

The proposal was presented during a hearing that brought together representatives of 11 municipalities in eastern Veneto interested in discussing their relationship with Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Morosin argues that the merger could reduce duplicated administrative structures, improve public services and allow greater autonomy in managing resources.

The councilor also cited studies by the Think Tank Nord Est Foundation and the Veneto Regional Council’s Study Center on tax differences between municipalities located on either side of the border.

Morosin had already advocated for the proposal. In July 2026, he said that creating a macro-region could strengthen the economic competitiveness of northeastern Italy.

According to the councilor, Italian Minister for Regional Affairs and Autonomies Roberto Calderoli expressed interest in the initiative. That interest, however, does not represent formal government support for the merger.

Veneto tries to prevent municipalities from leaving

Alongside the discussion about the new region, Veneto’s regional government faces pressure to improve conditions for municipalities near the border.

On Nov. 3, the Regional Council approved a proposal introduced by councilor Rosanna Conte of the League to speed up development measures for eastern Veneto.

The initiative calls for urgently establishing a permanent dialogue forum with the region’s municipalities and drafting a medium- and long-term development plan.

The aim is to reduce the economic and administrative inequalities that lead some residents to consider transferring to Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Conte herself acknowledged that the macro-region proposal faces obstacles and said the debate must consider viable solutions for local communities.

Does the Italian Constitution allow two regions to merge?

Yes. Article 132 of the Italian Constitution provides for the possibility of merging existing regions, but sets specific conditions.

For the merger to take place, an initiative is required from municipal councils representing at least one-third of the population involved.

The proposal must also be approved in a referendum by the populations concerned, in addition to undergoing consultation with the respective regional councils and approval through a constitutional law.

The creation of a new region with special status would also require the corresponding constitutional amendments.

Therefore, even if the idea receives political support, the merger between Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia would still depend on a legislative process and popular consultations.

For now, the “Venezie” project remains in the realm of political debate, while municipalities such as San Michele al Tagliamento discuss a more immediate alternative: changing regions.