In the field of bathing concessions, the European Commission is increasing pressure on Rome to comply with the Bolkestein Directive. According to various sources, if no decisions are made to ensure transparency and fair competition in this sector, Brussels will be ready to tighten the "rope" of the infringement procedure with a "reasoned opinion," after which, if no response to the Community arguments is received, the Commission may decide to refer Italy to the EU Court of Justice. The positions are clear and difficult to reconcile. The EU Commission is of the opinion that all concessions should be put out to competitive bidding, thereby dismantling a regime of substantial monopoly held by those who already control State-owned spaces on beaches. Instead, the government, propelled by the demands of the majority forces, led by Lega, argues that the position of many small Italian family businesses should be defended. In between, there are the overall relations between Rome and Brussels, as well as the basic principle of competition.