The budget for the DIATIRO initiative for the Private Sector has been finalized at €20 million. Initially announced four years ago as a highly anticipated funding tool, the program’s guidelines were opened for public consultation by the Ministry of Environment and Energy (YPEN). Eligible buildings must be legally recognized as preserved or listed monuments.

The program will cover up to 50% of project costs, with a maximum public funding limit of €500,000 per building. Beneficiaries must cover the remaining costs either through personal funds or loans. Any additional expenses beyond the initial budget must be formally secured to ensure project completion.

Both individual and legal entities owning private buildings, with full or partial ownership, usufruct rights, or bare ownership, can apply without income or other criteria. For co-owned buildings, applicants must obtain consent from all co-owners. A declaration in the Government Gazette confirming the building’s preserved or monument status is mandatory, along with permits or certifications for any later modifications.

For buildings rented, used for short-term leases, or vacant during the reference year, only the full owner or usufruct holder can apply.

Guidelines suggest eligible renovations may include:
– Cleaning facades (e.g., gentle water jets to remove pollutants or anti-graffiti coatings).
– Emergency stabilization measures (e.g., fixing openings, roof repairs to prevent collapse).
– Structural strengthening, equipment upgrades, and space reconfigurations.
– Restoring facades (e.g., replacing windows or repairing decorative and metal elements).
– Interior restoration (e.g., fixing wooden floors or reconfiguring interiors for functionality).
– Adapting buildings for new uses to enhance their cultural and historical significance.
– Energy upgrades to reduce energy consumption for heating, cooling, lighting, and hot water production.

Projects must aim for at least mid-scale renovations, achieve a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and improve energy efficiency by two classes. Studies for these renovations are also eligible for funding.

However, expenses incurred before funding eligibility or any work started before applying for the program will not be covered and will result in rejection.

In 2020, a broader €360 million urban redevelopment plan, which included DIATIRO, was initially proposed for Recovery Fund financing but was later excluded. Efforts to secure €200 million from the 2021–2027 EU budget also failed. The program was eventually split into two parts: one for public buildings, launched in September 2023 with a €70 million budget, and another for private buildings, now in consultation, with applications expected to open in early 2025.

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