Italy's Construction Boom Spurs Demand for Archaeologists Amid EU Funding Surge

Italy's demand for archaeologists has surged due to a construction boom fueled by EU post-COVID recovery funds. Despite chronic low pay and job insecurity, the sector is crucial given Italy's archaeological wealth. EU funds have injected billions into the construction sector, necessitating preventive archaeology to monitor for historical finds.

Italy's construction boom, driven by EU post-COVID recovery funds, has spiked the demand for archaeologists, according to the country's National Association of Archaeologists (ANA).

ANA, which had previously highlighted the sector's low pay and job insecurity, noted the rise as an unexpected consequence, given Italy's rich archaeological history evidenced by numerous UNESCO sites.

Italy, the top recipient of the EU's 800-billion-euro post-pandemic fund, has channeled 59% of the 45.6 billion euros spent by the end of 2023 into construction, necessitating the role of archaeologists for preventive measures and historical monitoring.

(With inputs from agencies.)