Italy’s Court of Accounts Navigates a Period of Reform: What’s Next?
Rome will host a key conference on February 12, 2026, focusing on the implications of recent reforms to Italy’s Corte dei Conti (Court of Accounts). The event, held at the Corte dei Conti’s headquarters, will bring together leading legal scholars, magistrates, and the Court’s President, Guido Carlino, and Prosecutor General, Pio Silvestri, to discuss the path forward.
The Shifting Landscape of Public Finance Oversight
The conference, titled “First Reflections at the Dawn of the Court of Accounts Reform,” signals a critical juncture for the institution. The Corte dei Conti plays a vital role in overseeing public finances and ensuring accountability in government spending. Recent reforms, however, are prompting debate about the Court’s future structure and effectiveness.
Specifically, concerns have been raised regarding the potential for increased political influence over the prosecution of financial crimes. As reported on February 24, 2026, Prosecutor General Silvestri has voiced concerns that the “hierarchical organization” of accounting prosecutions could clash with constitutional principles of autonomy and independence. This echoes earlier criticisms from February 2025, where the need for a more independent judiciary was highlighted.
Key Participants and Perspectives
The February 12th conference boasts a diverse lineup of speakers. Vito Tenore, President of the Lombardy regional judicial section, Tiziano Tessaro, a Counselor at the Emilia-Romagna regional control section, and Ferruccio Capalbo, Deputy Prosecutor General for Campania, will contribute their insights.
Academic contributions will reach from Professors Giovanna De Minico (University of Naples Federico II), Aristide Police (LUISS Guido Carli), Gennaro Terracciano (University of Rome Tor Vergata), and Fabio Cintioli (International University of Rome). Their expertise in constitutional and administrative law will be crucial in analyzing the legal ramifications of the reforms.
The Debate Over Prosecutorial Independence
A central theme of the discussion is likely to be the proposed changes to the structure of the public prosecution service within the Corte dei Conti. The reforms include a government delegation to hierarchize the prosecution offices, potentially placing them under greater political control. This has sparked fears that the independence of prosecutors could be compromised, mirroring concerns raised about potential impacts on ordinary public prosecutors following the Nordio reform.
the introduction of a separation between investigating and prosecuting magistrates, and even careers, is causing concern. This separation, affecting over 100 public prosecutors out of a total of 630 magistrates, could create organizational challenges and potentially hinder effective prosecution of financial crimes.
Impact on Recovered Funds and Deterrence
The reforms also introduce a cap on the amount of damages that can be recovered, limiting it to 30% of the ascertained public damage. Prosecutor General Silvestri has criticized this cap as being too low to ensure adequate deterrence and potentially reducing the amount of funds recovered by the state. In 2024, the Court recovered over 88 million euros, demonstrating its effectiveness in recouping public funds. The new cap could significantly impact future recovery rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Corte dei Conti?
A: The Corte dei Conti is the Court of Accounts in Italy, responsible for overseeing public finances and ensuring accountability in government spending.
Q: Who are the key figures involved in the current reforms?
A: Guido Carlino (President of the Court of Accounts) and Pio Silvestri (Prosecutor General) are central figures, along with government officials responsible for implementing the reforms.
Q: What are the main concerns regarding the reforms?
A: Concerns center around the potential for reduced independence of prosecutors, organizational challenges, and a decrease in the amount of funds recovered due to a cap on damages.
Q: Where can I find more information about the conference?
A: Further details and accreditation information can be found by emailing [email protected] or calling 06.3876 3730 – 3235 – 2489.
Did you recognize? The Corte dei Conti has a history dating back to 1861, evolving alongside Italy’s political and economic landscape.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about the latest developments in Italian public finance by following the Corte dei Conti’s official website and publications.
We encourage you to explore the full conference program for a complete list of speakers and topics. Share your thoughts on these important reforms in the comments below!
