Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Profile narrative

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also known as Ministero degli Affari Esteri, conducts Italy’s diplomatic relations, manages consular services for citizens abroad, promotes the country’s economic and cultural interests internationally, and negotiates treaties and agreements with other states and international organisations. It operates a global network of embassies, consulates and permanent missions that represent Italy in forums such as the European Union, the United Nations and NATO. The ministry also provides assistance to Italians traveling or residing overseas, issues passports and visas, and coordinates humanitarian aid and development cooperation programmes. Its work shapes Italy’s foreign policy stance and supports the country’s role in global affairs.

The Italian Ministry of Defense oversees the nation’s military defence, formulates defence policy, and supervises the Italian Armed Forces, including the army, navy and air force. It is responsible for military procurement, logistics, training and the preparation of forces for national and allied operations, including those conducted under NATO auspices. The ministry maintains a presence across Italy through military bases, commands and administrative offices, and it coordinates with international partners on security matters and crisis response.

Both ministries are integral components of the Italian Government, operating under the authority of the President of the Republic and the President of the Council of Ministers. They are public sector entities with no private ownership, and their budgets and personnel are approved by the Italian Parliament. As ministries, they possess regulatory authority in their respective domains—foreign policy and national defence—and represent Italy in bilateral and multilateral contexts. Their structural placement within the state ensures that they implement the strategic direction set by the elected leadership while adhering to constitutional and legal frameworks.

Incidents

2 incidents linked to this organisation.