Italian Artisans Seek Banking Support Amidst Economic Headwinds

Ravenna, Italy – A conference held Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Ravenna, brought together artisans and banking representatives to discuss the challenges facing small businesses in Italy, particularly concerning access to credit and rising energy costs. The event, titled “Artisans & Banks: alliance for the growth of the country,” was promoted by Confartigianato Imprese Ravenna and hosted at the Cavalcoli room of the Chamber of Commerce of Ferrara Ravenna.

The State of Italian Craftsmanship

According to data presented at the conference by Tiziano Samorè, Secretary of Confartigianato Imprese Ravenna, the province boasts 9,848 active artisan businesses. These businesses contribute significantly to the regional economy, generating 1.2 billion euros in added value – approximately 9.6% of the provincial economy – and employing over 22,900 people.

Declining Credit and Rising Costs

Despite their economic importance, artisans are facing headwinds. Bank loans to the sector have decreased by 5% to 8% over the last three years, hindering investments in innovation and modern machinery. Compounding this issue are escalating energy costs, which are significantly impacting both artisan activities and the small transport sector.

Calls for Banking Support and Government Intervention

Participants at the conference reiterated the need for increased support from banks and urgent government measures to mitigate the impact of high energy prices. Antonio Patuelli, President of the Italian Banking Association (ABI) and of the La Cassa di Ravenna Banking Group, addressed the attendees, outlining the broader economic risks facing Italy and the need for a proactive response.

Patuelli’s Assessment of the Economic Landscape

Patuelli highlighted the emergency situation, citing inflation as a primary concern and the potential for central banks to raise interest rates. He also drew attention to the ongoing geopolitical instability, specifically referencing the Middle Eastern conflict and its potential to disrupt energy supplies. He noted that the International Energy Agency has reported the most serious oil disturbance in history, with Gulf countries experiencing a reduction of at least ten million barrels per day in oil storage capacity. This disruption is expected to disproportionately affect countries reliant on energy imports, including Italy.

Patuelli also analyzed the impact of recent monetary policy changes, noting that the European Central Bank (ECB) had maintained near-zero interest rates for nine and a half years until spring 2022. He observed a recent increase in the cost of ten-year Italian government bonds, rising to 3.78% on Friday compared to 3.52% on Thursday, and a similar trend across other Eurozone countries.

Proposed Solutions and the Role of Guarantees

Patuelli advocated for a re-evaluation of banking regulations, particularly the international rules of Basel, and suggested exploring simplification procedures to facilitate lending to businesses. He also emphasized the importance of the guarantee fund for small and medium-sized businesses, which played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted the positive performance of businesses and banks in utilizing public guarantees, resulting in fewer insolvencies and lower costs to the state than initially projected.

In 2025, guarantees continued to be vital for the artisan sector, with 23,000 applications accepted and billions in guarantees issued. Patuelli stressed the need for greater dynamism and flexibility in these measures, particularly given the current extraordinary circumstances.

Confartigianato Leadership

Emanuela Bacchilega is the current President of Confartigianato Imprese Ravenna, having been confirmed in the role in November 2025. Tiziano Samorè serves as the Secretary of the association. The leadership team also includes Vice Presidents Franco Poletti, Raffaele Lacchini, and Umberto Campalmonti.