Governance, regulation, investment, and bankability of the water service: from the lessons of MTI‑4 (2026–2029) to the new challenges posed by climate change

Governance and regulation in the water service are closely interconnected and represent the pillars of the sector’s industrial development.
In light of the initial results of the first update of MTI‑4 for the 2026–2029 period—particularly with regard to tariff developments, investment plans, and technical quality performance—the event aims to stimulate reflection on several vital aspects of the sector: from the role of regulation in integrating infrastructure resilience with economic and financial sustainability, to financing mechanisms and the attractiveness of both public and private capital, as well as the possible and desirable evolutionary pathways of multilevel governance.
This workshop aims to provide useful insights for policymakers, local regulators, and qualified operators in defining integrated and responsible strategies capable of effectively responding to the many challenges facing the sector, linked both to EU policy objectives and to the risks associated with climate change.

Session Chair

Donato Berardi, Laboratorio REF

Program 

10.30 Welcome Greetings
Gilberto Turati, Presidente REF

10.35 Tariffs and investments: a snapshot of the MTI-4 update for the 2026–2029 period
Samir Traini, Laboratorio REF 

10.45 Technical quality and resilience of water services: lessons from the RQTI 2026 performance
Alberto Bernardini, Laboratorio REF

10.55 The bankability of water services: pathways and instruments to support investment
Giovanni Caucci, Laboratorio REF

11.05 Climate change and new EU objectives: what responses from the sector’s multilevel governance?
Andrea Guerrini, Prof. Università di Verona e Laboratorio REF
 
11.15 Round table
Moderator:  
Donato Berardi, Laboratorio REF 

Speeches by:
Enrico Pezzoli, Acea Acqua (TBC)
Fabio Giuseppini, Gruppo Iren 
Tullio Montagnoli, A2A Ciclo Idrico 
Alessandro Baroncini, Gruppo Hera (TBC)
Roberto Venneri, Acquedotto Pugliese (TBC)
Vincenzo Lombardo, Lario Reti (Water Alliance e NET) (TBC)
Saurgnani, Acque Bresciane (Water Alliance e leAcque) (TBC)
Paolo Mazzuccheli, Alfa Varese (Water Alliance) (TBC)
Monica Manto, Viveracqua (TBC)
Gian Nicola Scarcella, Romagna Acque Società delle Fonti (TBC)
Massimo Battiston, CAFC (TBC)
Paolo Peruzzi, GAIA (TBC)
Stefano Mereu, Siciliacque (TBC)
Raimondo Besson, Acqua Pubblica Sabina (TBC)
Daniele Barbone, Acqua Novara (TBC)

12.45 Discussion and closure
Massimo Ricci, ARERA