Italian museum ticket prices rise €1 to fund flood damage recovery

On May 23, 2023, Italy's Council of Ministers sanctioned a €2 billion decree aimed at tackling the weather crisis in Emilia-Romagna, where the death toll has now reached fifteen, and damage estimates range from €4 to €8 billion. The initiative suspends tax obligations until August 31, relieves affected residents from mortgage and utility payments, and allocates €580 million for wage support and €300 million for self-employed individuals. Additional allocations include €110 million for SMEs, €200 million for the National Emergencies fund, €700 million for export businesses, €10 million for tourism, and €175 million for agriculture. To fund the recovery of damaged artworks, a temporary €1 increase in state museum ticket prices will be implemented from June 15 to September 15, 2023, as inspections of cultural assets reveal over 40 critical issues.