Regions
Italy is divided into 20 regions, 15 of them with ordinary statute (Piedmont, Lombardy, Venetia, Liguria, Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Umbria, The Marches, Latium, Abruzzi, Molise, Campania, Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria) and the remaining 5 with special statute (Friuli Venezia Giulia, Sardinia, Sicily, Trentino-South Tyrol and Aosta Valley). Trentino-South Tyrol region is composed of the autonomous provinces of Trent and Bolzano.
Regions with ordinary statute
Regions with ordinary statute have exclusive legislative power with respect to any matters not expressly reserved to State law, European law and international treaties. Matters expressly reserved to State law and those in respect of which regions have exclusive legislative power are laid down in article 117 of Constitution. Regions, however, have legislative powers in all subject matters that are not expressly covered by State legislation. Regions and autonomous provinces of Trent and Bolzano take part in preparatory decision-making process of EU legislative acts within the areas falling within their responsibilities. They are also responsible for the implementation of international agreements and EU measures, according to the procedures set out in State law.
Autonomous regions with special statute
These regions have special forms and conditions of autonomy pursuant to the special statutes adopted by constitutional law. Each of them has exclusive legislative powers in the subject matters covered by their own statutes, within the limits established by them: constitutional laws, fundamental principles laid down in State legislation, international obligations and national interests, fundamental rules set down by the economic and social reforms adopted by the Italian Republic. Other matters covered by special statutes are subject to concurrent legislation of both the State and regions. In this case, legislative powers are vested in the regions except for the determination of the fundamental principles which are laid down in ordinary State legislation.
Conflicts about the allocation of powers between State and regions
Conflicts arising from the allocation of powers to State and regions fall within the responsibilities of the Constitutional Court.
