Mazzeschi Srl
3 Experts
3 Contributions by Mazzeschi Srl Experts
PRACTICE NOTES
EU external border governance has been in continual flux, driven in particular by the exceptional influx of refugees, irregular migration, and the digitalisation of control mechanisms. A closer look at amendments to the Schengen Borders Code also makes clear how lessons from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have shaped its evolution over recent years. The EU’s principal aims here include progressively creating an integrated management framework for the external frontiers, strengthening backing for migration management, intensifying action against cross-border crime, and bolstering national authorities to improve internal security. The ‘EU Migration and Asylum’ policy forms a significant strand of external border control more broadly. Nevertheless, this Practice Note does not examine that policy; instead it concentrates on the general Schengen visa regime, the core instruments and platforms already deployed—the Visa Information System (VIS) and the Schengen Information System (SIS)—and those still awaiting
EU Law
PRACTICE NOTES
The removal of internal border checks across the Schengen Area stands as one of the EU’s landmark achievements, shaping and embedding the European societal model and way of life. Yet major developments—such as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and rising irregular migration—have exposed shortcomings and loopholes in Schengen border management. To address the migration challenges faced by Member States and to uphold border-free movement within Schengen, significant revisions were adopted in 2024. This Practice Note concentrates on Regulation (EU) 2016/399, the Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (codification), which sets out the conditions for movement to and from the area without internal border control, as well as between participating Member States. It also reflects the 2024 amendments, drawing out the principal features of the current framework and outlining the accompanying instruments that clarify how the Schengen borders
EU Law
PRACTICE NOTES
Updated in April 2026
Introduction
Italy is a parliamentary republic with a two‑chamber system. The Prime Minister serves as Head of Government. Parliament comprises the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The President of the Republic designates the Prime Minister, who must obtain Parliament’s confidence. The President’s term spans seven years. Parliamentary general elections are held every five years. Italy follows a civil law tradition. Its legal sources comprise the Constitution, statutes, secondary legislation, EU regulations (directly applicable and not requiring implementation) and EU directives (which must be enacted through national legislation). The nation is organised into 20 regions. The Constitution grants regions legislative powers in specific fields, including public health, education, agriculture and tourism. Italy is a founding member of the EU.
Business environment
Italy ranks among the world’s largest economies, typically within the top ten by GDP, and is Europe’s
Commercial
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