Abstract

The Essays section of this Issue gathers the proceedings of the conference in memory of Gianfranco Mor, which took place at the University of Milan on December 3, 2022. The conference and the essays published here draw from Gianfranco Mor’s studies in regional law, particularly his work Profili dell’Amministrazione Regionale Milan, 1974, which continues to inspire reflection on the administrative dimension of regional entities. The following essays highlight this administrative function, which Mor conceived not as mere adherence to the law but as an activity aimed at efficiently safeguarding the interests of the regional community, avoiding the risk of regions becoming entangled in the complexities of legislative functions. The essays follow this trajectory, addressing various dimensions of regional administration. The discussion begins with Roberto Bin’s reflections on the impact of technical regulations on administration and legislation. Anna Maria Poggi’s essay explores the trajectory of Italian regionalism and underlines the enduring ambiguity of the region’s role in balancing regional and national interests. Fulvio Cortese’s contribution focuses on the principle of loyal collaboration, addressing questions about the current awareness of its interpreters and institutions. The essays then address the highly disputed topic of differentiated regionalism in Italy, especially the discussion led by Giovanni Tarli Barbieri, who pays particular attention to Bill No. 615 and its main problematic aspects. In a contemporary context, Giovanni Di Cosimo’s essay considers the profile of organizational changes related to the implementation of the national recovery and resilience plan. Giuseppe Verde reflects on the concept of regional specificity, deeming it essential to revitalize their exclusive powers and rethink the purpose of special regions through a serious debate on the adjustment or modifications to special statutes. Eduardo Gianfrancesco explores the constitutional dimension of the region, particularly the meaning of the region as an administrative and political entity. The essays section concludes with contributions by Sergio Bartole and Giandomenico Falcon, who not only offer a heartfelt tribute to Gianfranco Mor but also place his ideas in the current context of Italian regionalism.