RFI, following the regulatory proceeding initiated by Decision No. 49/2026, requested the Italian Transport Regulation Authority (ART) to suspend the framework capacity allocation process scheduled to start on 12 June 2026.
In response to the request, ART instructed RFI to maintain the timelines set out in the Network Statement for the allocation process of Framework Agreement (FA) applications. This is intended to ensure that, as early as June 2026, RFI is able to obtain an updated overview of any new framework capacity requests or amendments to existing FAs, thereby enabling it to promptly acquire up-to-date information on capacity demand to be taken into account for the definition of any pre-planned capacity offer.
ART further clarified that, following the conclusion of the aforementioned regulatory proceeding, RFI may reopen the deadline for submitting framework capacity applications for a period of 15 days. Such reopening is intended solely to allow applicants that have submitted new Framework Agreement (FA) applications or requests to amend existing FAs by 12 June 2026 to modify the applications already submitted, where appropriate, in light of the new regulatory framework established in the meantime.
The possibility to proceed in accordance with these arrangements, with effect from the 2027/2028 timetable year, remains subject to the conclusion of the aforementioned regulatory proceeding within a timeframe compatible with the subsequent phases of the capacity allocation process. In particular, the ART proceeding under Decision No. 49/2026 shall be concluded sufficiently in advance to enable RFI to carry out all preparatory activities necessary for the full implementation of the new regulatory model prior to the deadline of 12 October 2026, by which date RFI communicates the framework capacity proposal to applicants and, where necessary, initiates the first coordination phase.