The Italian Government extends its COVID-19 emergency FDI review regime through 2022

On December 30, 2021, the Italian Government extended until the end of 2022 Italy’s emergency foreign direct investments (“FDI”) regime, which enables it to review also acquisitions of controlling stakes by European Economic Area (“EEA”) investors, as well as certain minority investments by non-EEA investors, in any strategic sector [1]. By contrast, under ordinary rules, these transactions would be reviewable only in the defense and national security sector. This regime was initially introduced in April 2020 as part of certain CoViD-19 emergency measures, and was due to expire at the end of 2021 (after two extensions). In parallel, the scope of the Italian FDI review was expanded as of January 2021 with the addition of a number of new strategic sectors. The combination of the emergency