For nearly 20 years, the European Commission and Italy have been locked in a legal battle over the country’s beach concession practices, with the EU accusing Italy of breaching competition rules and lacking transparency. This conflict, which has seen resistance from various Italian governments, is set to reach a turning point as Italy faces a deadline to comply with EU directives by early 2025.

The European Commission has long criticized Italy’s approach to beach concessions, which has allowed existing operators to renew their agreements indefinitely, stifling competition. Despite EU calls for competitive tendering, Italian administrations—whether left- or right-leaning—have consistently resisted these reforms. The most recent extension, granted by the far-right government of Giorgia Meloni, extends current concessions until the end of this year, leaving Rome with no further options to avoid compliance.

Susanna Barbadoro, representing the third generation of beach concession owners in Ostia, expressed frustration over the uncertainty of the transition. “We are in a phase of total uncertainty and we want our rights to be preserved,” she said. The beach concession system has been criticized for fostering a monopolistic environment, with family-owned businesses maintaining control over prime locations along Italy’s coast.

The cost of beach access varies significantly across Italy. At basic establishments, renting two chaise lounges and an umbrella for the day can cost €25, while luxury resorts in places like Capri or Salento can charge several hundred euros. Beach operators argue that they have invested heavily in maintaining and upgrading their facilities and are seeking compensation or pre-emption rights in future tenders.

Economists, however, argue that these operators have long benefited from their privileged status, contributing only a small portion of their revenues to the state. According to the Italian Court of Auditors, from 2016 to 2020, the state received around €97 million annually from 12,166 beach concessions. With average revenues of €260,000 per concession, operators have paid an average of only €7,600 annually.

Pietro Paganini, an economist, argues that competition would benefit everyone, particularly since these concessions are on public land. “Italian governments have protected these owners for years due to their significant voting bloc,” he said.

In a final attempt to justify its non-compliance with the 2006 Bolkestein directive, which aims to boost competition, the Meloni government presented a mapping report to Brussels. The report claimed that 33% of the Italian coastline is under concession, arguing there is no need for competitive tenders. However, EU officials noted that the mapping included unsuitable areas like rocky shores, which do not meet the criteria for concessions.

The association “Mare Libero” (Free Sea), which has advocated for free beach access since 2019, hopes the new bidding rules will ensure sufficient public access. Roberto del Bove, coordinator for the central Lazio region, called for the state to guarantee at least 50% of beaches remain free to the public, with the remainder available for concession.

Visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is an experience that leaves a profound impact on everyone who walks through its gates. As one of the most significant historical sites in the world, Auschwitz-Birkenau serves as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only a place of remembrance but also an educational experience that sheds light on one of the darkest chapters in human history. For those visiting Krakow, taking a tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau is an essential and sobering experience that should not be missed.

The Historical Significance of Auschwitz-Birkenau

Auschwitz-Birkenau, located near the town of Oświęcim, was the largest of the Nazi concentration and extermination camps during World War II. Established in 1940, it became the site of unimaginable suffering and death, where over 1.1 million people, primarily Jews, were systematically murdered. The camp is divided into two main sections: Auschwitz I, the original concentration camp, and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the larger extermination camp. Walking through these grounds, visitors are confronted with the chilling reality of the Holocaust, from the barracks where prisoners were held to the gas chambers where so many lives were brutally taken.

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial stands today as a testimony to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the importance of remembering the past to prevent such horrors from ever happening again. The tour offers a deep dive into the history of the Holocaust, with exhibitions showcasing personal belongings, photographs, and documents that tell the stories of the victims. As you explore the site, you are transported back in time, allowing for reflection on the immense scale of the tragedy and the individual lives that were lost.

What to Expect on a Tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau

A guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau is an immersive and emotional experience. Most tours begin at Auschwitz I, where visitors are introduced to the history of the camp and the Holocaust. The tour typically includes visits to the various blocks where prisoners were housed, as well as the notorious Block 11, known as the “Death Block.” Here, visitors learn about the harsh conditions, forced labor, and brutal punishments that were part of daily life for the prisoners. The tour also includes a visit to the gas chamber and crematorium, which stand as a haunting reminder of the mass executions that took place here.

After exploring Auschwitz I, the tour continues to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, located a few kilometers away. Birkenau is where the majority of the mass killings occurred, and the scale of the camp is overwhelming. Visitors walk along the railway tracks that brought prisoners to the camp and stand before the remains of the gas chambers and crematoria that the Nazis tried to destroy before fleeing. The vastness of Birkenau, with its rows of barracks and watchtowers, is a stark contrast to the intimate exhibits of Auschwitz I, and it powerfully conveys the sheer magnitude of the Holocaust.

For those interested in deepening their understanding of this dark period in history, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour provides a comprehensive and respectful exploration of the site. Guided by knowledgeable experts, visitors are given context and insight into the events that took place here, ensuring that the memory of the victims is honored.

Preparing for Your Visit

Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is not a typical tourist experience; it is an emotionally challenging journey that requires preparation and reflection. Before embarking on the tour, it is important to approach the visit with the respect and solemnity it deserves. The site is a place of mourning and remembrance, and visitors are encouraged to be mindful of the significance of their surroundings.

Practical considerations include dressing appropriately, as much of the tour takes place outdoors, and ensuring that you have enough time to fully engage with the experience. The tour usually lasts about 6-7 hours, including transportation to and from Krakow. It is also advisable to bring water and snacks, as the visit can be physically demanding.

While the experience is undoubtedly intense, it is also profoundly educational and offers valuable insights into the consequences of prejudice, hatred, and indifference. Many visitors find that the tour prompts deep reflection and a renewed commitment to promoting tolerance and understanding in the world today.

In conclusion, a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau is an essential part of any trip to Krakow. It is a journey into the past that challenges us to confront the darkest aspects of human history, but it also serves as a powerful reminder of the need to remember and learn from these events. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour is not just a historical exploration; it is a tribute to the millions who suffered and a call to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.

Budget airline Wizz Air has introduced a new ‘all you can fly’ subscription service, offering unlimited flights for an annual fee of €499 (£428; $549). This subscription model, which mirrors similar schemes by US-based Frontier Airlines and Malaysia’s AirAsia, is aimed at boosting customer engagement and loyalty.

The subscription deal, available at a discounted price until August 16, will then increase to €599. Starting in September, subscribers can book flights to destinations across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The subscription requires a minimum three-day advance booking and includes a flat fee of €9.99 per flight.

Wizz Air has announced that it will offer 10,000 subscriptions, distributed across its operating airports. However, potential customers have reported issues with availability, with some ‘airport of preference’ options already showing as sold out on the company’s website. The site includes a notice stating, “In the case that you are unable to select your preferred airport, please note that the limit has been reached and Wizz Air is unfortunately unable to offer you a Wizz All You Can Fly membership at this time.”

The subscription service comes amidst ongoing criticism of Wizz Air’s performance. The airline has faced scrutiny in the UK for poor customer service and frequent flight delays. According to recent data, Wizz Air was named the worst airline for UK flight delays for the third consecutive year, with an average delay of 31 minutes for departures from UK airports. Additionally, the consumer group Which? has labeled Wizz Air as the worst performer in customer service.

In June, Wizz Air was fined €770,000 by Hungary’s competition authority for misleading communications, including the promotion of more expensive travel packages. The airline has contested the fine, asserting that it “questions the legality of the fine, disagrees with its reasoning, and is taking legal action.”

Further compounding its challenges, Wizz Air reported a 44% drop in first-quarter operating profit this August and revised its annual profit forecast downward. Despite these issues, the airline is betting that its new subscription model will attract budget-conscious travelers and provide a boost to its struggling business.

As Wizz Air navigates these hurdles, the success of its ‘all you can fly’ subscription service will likely be closely watched by both consumers and industry analysts.