Funding independent authorities and ensuring their effective independence

Article by Francesco Piron and Antonio Martini.

The Italian Constitutional Court has redefined the relationship between the funding and independence of independent regulatory authorities, confirming the legitimacy of the contribution payable by large companies to support the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM). The ruling is regarded as a significant development, as it recognises the statutory cap on the contribution as a safeguard of the Authority’s independence, preventing a small number of market participants from exercising disproportionate financial influence.

The full article is available on Quotidiano Energia.