On 21 May 2022 entered into force a Decree laying down urgent measures to counter the economic and humanitarian effects deriving from the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation.
Among the main novelties, the modification of the regulation of the so-called “golden power” (i.e., the Government’s special powers to safeguard the ownership structure and management of national companies operating in strategic and national interest sectors).
In particular, the establishment of new companies of strategic importance for defence and national security is subject to a notification requirement. Moreover, in the communication, energy, transport, health, agribusiness and finance sectors, the afore-said notification requirement is extended to the purchase of significant shareholdings made by European entities (including those resident in Italy), to the extent to which it determines the permanent establishment in Italy of the company at issue on the ground of the change of control over the latter.
In order to strengthen the coordination activities leading to the exercise of the golden power, a strategic evaluation and analysis working group has been established within the Department for administrative coordination at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.
Law of 20 May 2022 no. 51, converting Law Decree of 21 March 2022 no. 21 (published in the Official Gazette on 20 May 2022 no. 117)