New Perspectives on Budgeting Procedures in Italy

Abstract

This article aims to describe and analyze the Italian budgeting procedure according to the recent administrative reforms introduced in order to keep public expenditure under control and to ensure more efficiency and effectiveness in public action. The budgeting procedure is a relevant topic and several international studies (by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development [OECD] and the EU Commission) have identified a strong relationship between budgeting procedure quality, application of performance management tools, and public financial sustainability. This article describes the path that is allowing Italy to fill the gap between its own approach and the European best practice.

Keywords:

• budgeting procedures
• program budgeting
• financial management
• government accounting
• OECD database