‘We have also co-sponsored a number of important resolutions. I would just like to mention the resolution on the moratorium on the death penalty, which passed with a very high number of votes, the highest ever, 130 votes.’

from https://italyun.esteri.it/en/news/dalla_rappresentanza/2026/01/farewell-video-message-of-permanent-representative-amb-maurizio-massari/

Presidency of the G20, 2021

https://www.oecd.org/en/about/oecd-and-g20/g20-italy-2021-presidency.html

https://www.dt.mef.gov.it/en/tema_del_mese/tema_mese0024.html#:~:text=The%20G20%20Italian%20Presidency%20officially,by%20the%20Covid%2D19%20crisis.

and the G20 ROME LEADERS’ DECLARATION

https://www.governo.it/sites/governo.it/files/documenti/documenti/Notizie-allegati/G20Italy/G20ROMELEADERSDECLARATION.pdf

the 2023 G20 NEW DELHI LEADERS’ DECLARATION

https://www.mea.gov.in/images/CPV/G20-New-Delhi-Leaders-Declaration.pdf

the 2024 G20 RIO DE JANEIRO LEADERS’ DECLARATION

https://www.g20.utoronto.ca/2024/241118-declaration.html

the 2025 G20 SOUTH AFRICA LEADERS’ DECLARATION

https://www.g20.utoronto.ca/2025/251122-declaration.html

The Italian Presidency of the G7 summit 2024

https://www.g7italy.it/en/

https://www.dt.mef.gov.it/en/tema_del_mese/tema_mese0035.html

https://www.esteri.it/it/temi/organizzazioni_internazionali/g7/presidenza-italiana-del-g7/

https://www.esteri.it/en/temi/organizzazioni_internazionali/g7/presidenza-italiana-del-g7/

Italy on the UN Security Council 2017:

https://www.esteri.it/mae/resource/doc/2017/01/italyontheunsecuritycouncil-compressed.pdf

Nel 2026 il Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale (MAECI) guida l'Italia in importanti presidenze e comitati multilaterali internazionali.

Principali Presidenze Italiane del 2026

Meccanismo di Tallinn: Dal 1° luglio e fino a dicembre 2026, l'Italia detiene la presidenza di turno della principale piattaforma di coordinamento per la sicurezza informatica civile dell'Ucraina. Ulteriori dettagli sono disponibili nel Comunicato Ufficiale sulla presidenza di Tallinn.
Strategia UE per la Regione Adriatica e Ionica (EUSAIR): Avviata ufficialmente il 28 luglio 2026 a Roma sotto lo slogan "Identità, coesione, integrazione europea". Maggiori informazioni sono consultabili nel Comunicato sull'avvio della presidenza EUSAIR.
Comitato ONU COPUOS (Uso Pacifico dello Spazio): Dal 10 giugno 2026 l'Italia ha assunto la presidenza del Comitato delle Nazioni Unite per l'Uso Pacifico dello Spazio Extra-Atmosferico per il biennio 2026–2027

https://www.esteri.it/en/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/comunicati/2026/07/litalia-assume-la-presidenza-di-turno-del-meccanismo-di-tallinn/

https://www.esteri.it/en/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/notestampa/2026/07/nota-di-accreditamento-stampa-evento-di-lancio-della-presidenza-italiana-eusair-identita-coesione-integrazione-europea-unioncamere-roma-28-luglio-2026/

https://www.esteri.it/en/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/comunicati/2026/07/dipartimento-coesione-tajani-e-foti-inaugurano-lavvio-della-presidenza-italiana-della-strategia-adriatico-ionica-dellue/

https://www.esteri.it/en/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/comunicati/2026/06/litalia-assume-oggi-la-presidenza-del-comitato-delle-nazioni-unite-per-luso-pacifico-dello-spazio-extra-atmosferico-copuos-per-il-biennio-2026-2027/

Italy and UN Security Council Reform

https://italyun.esteri.it/en/italy-and-the-united-nations/uniting-for-consensus-ufc/

https://italyun.esteri.it/en/italy-and-the-united-nations/the-security-council/

2022 https://italyun.esteri.it/rappresentanza_onu/it/comunicazione/archivio-news/2022/02/general-assembly-intergovernmental.html

https://italyun.esteri.it/en/news/dalla_rappresentanza/2024/09/uniting-for-consensus-joint-press-statement-on-the-reform-of-the-un-security-council/

https://press.un.org/en/2024/sgsm22214.doc.htm

2024 https://italyun.esteri.it/en/news/dalla_rappresentanza/2024/11/statement-by-italys-permanent-representative-ambassador-maurizio-massari-on-behalf-of-the-uniting-for-consensus-group-annual-debate-on-agenda-item-122-entitled-question-of-equitable-repres/

2025 https://italyun.esteri.it/en/news/dalla_rappresentanza/2025/01/statement-by-h-e-ambassador-maurizio-massari-on-behalf-of-the-uniting-for-consensus-group-at-the-the-intergovernmental-negotiations-on-the-question-of-equitable-representation-on-and-increase-in-the/

2026 https://italyun.esteri.it/en/news/dalla_rappresentanza/2026/02/statement-by-ambassador-giorgio-marrapodi-on-behalf-of-the-uniting-for-consensus-group-the-intergovernmental-negotiations-on-the-question-of-equitable-representation-on-and-increase-in-the-membership/

Press Conferences and speeches by Italian leaders at international events

PM Meloni’s Speeches at the COP World Leaders Summit

https://www.governo.it/it/articolo/intervento-del-presidente-meloni-al-vertice-dei-capi-di-stato-e-di-governo-cop27/20927

https://www.governo.it/en/articolo/president-meloni-s-speech-cop27-world-leaders-summit/20951

https://www.governo.it/it/articolo/cop28-l-intervento-del-presidente-meloni-alla-sessione-plenaria-high-level-segment-heads

https://www.governo.it/en/articolo/president-melonis-speech-cop28-high-level-segment-heads-state-and-government/24479

https://www.governo.it/it/articolo/cop29-high-level-segment-heads-states-and-government/27040

https://www.governo.it/en/articolo/president-meloni-s-speech-29th-conference-parties-un-framework-convention-climate-change

Foreign Minister Tajani speech at the COP30

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK2ZLtU0Vlk

https://www.esteri.it/en/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/comunicati/2025/11/cop30-il-ministro-tajani-interviene-a-nome-dellitalia-al-vertice-per-il-clima-di-belem/

PM Meloni’s press conference at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania in July 2023

https://www.governo.it/en/articolo/president-meloni-s-press-conference-nato-summit-vilnius/23142

at the NATO Summit in Washington in July 2024

https://www.governo.it/it/articolo/il-presidente-meloni-al-vertice-nato-washington/26195

at the NATO Summit in the Hague in June 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOx5k7gdH6M

https://www.governo.it/it/articolo/vertice-nato-il-punto-stampa-del-presidente-meloni/29089

https://www.governo.it/en/articolo/president-meloni-s-press-point-nato-summit/29123

Il summit della NATO del 2026 si è tenuto ad Ankara, in Turchia, il 7 e l'8 luglio 2026.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Ankara_NATO_summit

https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/official-texts-and-resources/official-texts/2026/07/08/the-ankara-summit-declaration

https://www.ispionline.it/it/pubblicazione/summit-ankara-verso-una-nato-made-in-europe-241521

The 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara concluded on July 8, 2026, with the adoption of The Ankara Summit Declaration focusing on increased defense spending, industrial rearmament, and long-term support for Ukraine.

The 2026 NATO summit in Ankara

https://www.governo.it/it/articolo/vertice-nato-2026-la-conferenza-stampa-del-presidente-meloni/32298

https://www.governo.it/en/articolo/president-meloni-s-press-conference-introduction-2026-nato-summit/32303

Support for Ukraine

Financial and Military Pledge: Allies committed €70 billion in military equipment, assistance, and training for Ukraine in 2026, with sovereign commitments to sustain equivalent levels in 2027.
Defense Production: Discussions advanced on allowing Ukraine to locally license and manufacture capabilities, including Patriot missile systems, alongside bilateral drone agreements.

Defense Investment and Capabilities

Spending Targets: Reaffirmed the trajectory toward the goal of investing 5% of GDP in overall defense and defense-related spending by 2035 (building on core and broader investment benchmarks).
New Procurement: Announced over $50 billion in new defense procurements targeting integrated air and missile defense, deep precision strikes, uncrewed systems, and intelligence capabilities.
Technology: Agreed to develop an interoperable transatlantic warfighting cloud and integrate advanced artificial intelligence models into military operations.

Regional and Geopolitical Stances

Iran: Reaffirmed that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon and called for full respect for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Turkey & Bilateral Relations: Highlighted Turkey's expanding defense manufacturing role within the alliance, with discussions regarding potential pathways for Ankara to resolve previous hurdles and re-enter the F-35 fighter program.

Some position papers and various points and comments on the Mediterranean and wider Mediterranean area, the Balkans, the Mattei Plan, the EU and Italian migration strategy, the crisis in the Middle East and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The Mediterranean - The Italian Strategy in the Mediterranean, statements and opinions

https://www.esteri.it/mae/resource/doc/2017/12/rapporto-med-maeci-ita.pdf

https://www.esteri.it/mae/resource/doc/2017/12/med-maeci-eng.pdf so some translation practice!

https://www.esteri.it/en/temi/aree_geografiche/mediterr_mo/

https://www.esteri.it/en/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/comunicati/2026/04/dichiarazione-congiunta-riunione-ministeriale-informale-del-med9-sulla-sicurezza-e-la-resilienza-nel-mediterraneo-spalato-9-aprile-2026/

https://www.esteri.it/en/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/approfondimenti/2026/02/tajani-il-piano-mattei-e-una-priorita-strategica-inaccettabili-atti-terroristici-in-nigeria-avvenire-2/

https://www.ispionline.it/en/tag/mediterranean

https://www.ispionline.it/en/publication/italy-and-mediterranean-between-tradition-and-new-challenges-15154

Regional Plan for the Adriatic-Balkans area

https://www.esteri.it/it/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/approfondimenti/2023/02/un-piano-strategico-per-la-regione-adriatico-balcanica/

https://www.esteri.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Piano-Regione-Adriatico-Balcanica_DEF_ridotto.pdf

https://www.esteri.it/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Piano-Regione-Adriatico-Balcanica_DEF-2.pdf

https://www.esteri.it/it/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/interviste/2023/04/tajani-limpegno-italiano-per-lintegrazione-dei-balcani-nella-ue-il-messaggero/

The Mattei Plan (see also below the Africa-EU Partnership) -

https://www.esteri.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ISPI_FPC-Piano-Mattei.pdf

https://www.governo.it/en/artcolo/mattei-plan-africa/31297

https://www.iai.it/it/pubblicazioni/c05/mattei-plan-after-addis-ababa-italy-africa-summit

the Middle East crisis - https://ambnewdelhi.esteri.it/en/news/dall_ambasciata/2026/05/the-hormuz-crisis-a-view-from-rome-op-ed-by-dpm-tajani-hindustan-times-may-19-2026/

Meloni https://www.governo.it/it/node/31280

Migration -

https://www.esteri.it/en/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/comunicati/2023/11/protocollo-tra-il-governo-della-repubblica-italiana-e-il-consiglio-dei-ministri-della-repubblica-di-albania-per-il-rafforzamento-della-collaborazione-in-materia-migratoria/

https://fami.dlci.interno.gov.it/comunicazione/notizie-e-ultimi-aggiornamenti/nuovo-patto-sulla-migrazione-e-asilo-una-gestione

https://commission.europa.eu/news-and-media/news/new-strategies-migration-and-eu-visa-make-borders-more-secure-and-encourage-talent-mobility-2026-01-29_it

https://www.repubblica.it/politica/2026/06/02/news/migranti_accordo_ue_rimpatri_return_hub_paesi_terzi-425384819/

Artificial Intelligence – some background

https://assets.innovazione.gov.it/1637937177-programma-strategico-iaweb-2.pdf

https://assets.innovazione.gov.it/1637777513-strategic-program-aiweb.pdf

https://www.confindustria.it/documenti/lintelligenza-artificiale-per-il-sistema-italia-report-2025/

https://public.confindustria.it/repository/2025/06/19100744/documenti-lintelligenza-artificiale-per-Report-IA-per-il-Sistema-Italia.pdf

https://public.confindustria.it/repository/2025/03/27021948/Audizione-su-Intelligenza-Artificiale-VP-Santoni.pdf

https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/regulatory-framework-ai

https://www.confindustria.it/news/digital-omnibus-confindustria-semplificazione-nella-giusta-direzione-ma-servono-correzioni-per-imprese-e-innovazione/

https://www.confindustria.it/en/news/europe-at-risk-of-industrial-decline-the-alarm-of-confindustria-bdi-and-medef/

https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/03/22/could-the-new-eu-ai-act-stifle-genai-innovation-in-europe-a-new-study-says-it-could

The Africa-EU Partnership

https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/policies/global-gateway_en

https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/policies/africa-eu-partnership_en

https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/policies/global-gateway/initiatives-sub-saharan-africa/eu-africa-global-gateway-investment-package_en

https://www.iss.europa.eu/publications/briefs/beyond-summits-africa-eu-partnership-priority

https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/african-union-au/horizon-europe-launches-africa-initiative-iv-under-2026%E2%80%932027-work-programme_en?s=43

https://euobserver.com/209696/europe-must-treat-africa-like-a-partner-not-a-problem/

The European Union

https://european-union.europa.eu/index_it main portal in Italian

https://european-union.europa.eu/index_en main portal in English

the newsroom

https://european-union.europa.eu/news-and-events/featured-news_en

The Italian government and the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (for news and sometimes the possibility to do translation)

https://www.governo.it/it

https://www.governo.it/en

Three examples:

https://www.governo.it/it/articolo/pnrr-l-italia-riceve-il-pagamento-della-nona-e-penultima-rata-pari-12.8-miliardi-di-euro

https://www.governo.it/en/articolo/nrrp-italy-receives-payment-ninth-and-penultimate-instalment-worth-eur-128-billion-after

https://www.governo.it/it/articolo/dichiarazione-sul-contrasto-alla-migrazione-illegale/31725

and linked document https://www.governo.it/sites/governo.it/files/DichiarazioneMigrazioneIllegale_20260504.pdf

https://www.governo.it/en/articolo/illegal-migration-update-statement/31727

https://www.governo.it/it/articolo/dichiarazione-del-presidente-meloni/29363

https://www.governo.it/en/articolo/statement-president-meloni/29364

Italia Domani, the National Recovery and Resilience Plan

Open in Italian, translate and check the English version

https://italiadomani.gov.it/it/home.html

https://italiadomani.gov.it/en/home.html

https://www.corteconti.it/HOME/StampaMedia/ComunicatiStampa/DettaglioComunicati?Id=552ec766-0353-4710-935b-f7cf6ef6526c

https://www.lavoripubblici.it/news/pnrr-scadenza-30-giugno-2026-allarme-ritardi-proroga-2027-38037

https://www.cgil.it/speciali/2024/pnrr/pnrr-pubblicato-laggiornamento-dei-dati-di-attuazione-al-26-febbraio-2026-tra-artifici-contabili-spostamenti-di-risorse-e-incompletezza-dei-dati-si-confermano-le-difficolta-di-attuazione-pd8zsob1

https://www.redigo.info/2026/02/20/pnrr-piu-controlli-meno-burocrazia-e-servizi-digitali-per-cittadini-e-imprese/

https://www.ilmessaggero.it/economia/moltoeconomia/il_pnrr_alla_volata_finale_riforme_e_meno_burocrazia_e_i_fondi_vivono_dopo_il_2026-9564316.html

https://www.quotidianosanita.it/studi-e-analisi/articolo.php?articolo_id=131253#:~:text=Il%20PNRR%20prevede%20l'attivazione,intensiva%20(37%2C1%25).

Il sito ufficiale del Presidente della Repubblica italiana

https://www.quirinale.it/

https://www.quirinale.it/ricerca/discorsi

For example:

https://www.quirinale.it/it/discorso/remarks-by-president-italian-republic-sergio-mattarella-occasion-dinner-hosted-by-president-international-olympic-committee-kirsty-coventry

https://www.quirinale.it/it/discorso/intervento-presidente-repubblica-sergio-mattarella-cerimonia-occasione-81-anniversario-liberazione

https://www.quirinale.it/elementi/93454

https://www.quirinale.it/elementi/93492

https://www.quirinale.it/elementi/84169

https://www.quirinale.it/elementi/84168

You can search for speeches in English, like this one:

https://www.quirinale.it/elementi/107127

A Yale lecture course giving a US point of view on international relations

The first of 26 lectures in chronological order. See the list on the right of the page.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDqvzFY72mg&list=PLh9mgdi4rNeyViG2ar68jkgEi4y6doNZy

A Basic course book on IR in English (good for both language and content)

For a university-level foundation bridging IR theory with real-world issues, "Global Politics" by Ben Whitham and Andrew Heywood (2023 and 2024 editions) is often indicated as the premier choice. Combine this foundational text with "International Relations" by Joshua S. Goldstein and Jon C. Pevehouse to tie theoretical concepts like realism and liberalism directly to contemporary events.

Textbooks can be very expensive. Can you find ithem in a library?

Also https://academicearth.org/international-relations/

IR magazine in English (del Ministero degli Affari Esteri)

Longitude, The Italian Monthly on World Affairs in English – to have an idea go to:

https://www.longitude.it/

and click on the latest magazine cover on the left and then on one of the articles inside

and in Italian: Internazionale magazine

http://www.internazionale.it/

you can often find the original articles (which have been translated into Italian in Internazionale) in English, French, Spanish or German on internet by putting in the journalists name and the topic of the article.

Excellent text on Human Rights and International Law

Crimes Against Humanity: The Struggle for Global Justice, Geoffrey Robertson, Penguin Books

The definitive book on human rights law, an old classic but now updated with a new chapter on war crimes in Ukraine and the continuing war in Gaza

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crimes-Against-Humanity-Struggle-Justice/dp/1802063242#

https://www.lafeltrinelli.it/crimes-against-humanity-struggle-for-libro-inglese-geoffrey-robertson/e/9781802063240?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pmax_libri&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17339121055&gbraid=0AAAAAD-Pe5yXWO6J68ywxBhba5sXt-zP-&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_eyVzPX8lAMVirCDBx21QTVZEAQYASABEgJryPD_BwE

A really good podcast:

The Rest is Politics:

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-rest-is-politics/id1611374685

lots of episodes free on YouTube

Dictionaries

Monolingual English Dictionary

Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (OALD)

https://elt.oup.com/catalogue/items/global/dictionaries/oxford-advanced-learners-dictionary/?srsltid=AfmBOopPoJBdDeOR_iD-CixFV-x5bCFupPp0ITs_pCV8czCtDMF3RFcd&cc=gb&selLanguage=en

This is one of the best monolingual learner’s dictionaries of English. A learner’s dictionary gives special help with the things language learners need—irregular forms, dependent prepositions, formal/informal language, particular grammar, etc.

Bilingual Dictionary

Use a monolingual dictionary to understand how to use new vocabulary (for example when you want to write). Use a bilingual dictionary when you need to quickly check the meaning of a specific term.

il Ragazzini 2024, dizionario inglese-italiano italiano-inglese

https://www.zanichelli.it/ricerca/prodotti/il-ragazzini-dizionario-inglese-italiano-italiano-inglese-ragazzini-007

https://www.amazon.it/Ragazzini-Dizionario-inglese-italiano-italiano-inglese-app/dp/8808651983

Online dictionaries

Context Reverso Check with me how to make best use of it

https://context.reverso.net/traduzione/

examples: http://context.reverso.net/traduzione/italiano-inglese/fornire

http://context.reverso.net/traduzione/inglese-italiano/provide

Reverso Dictionary

http://dictionary.reverso.net/italian-english/

example:

https://dictionary.reverso.net/italian-english/assistere

Word Reference

https://www.wordreference.com/

examples: https://www.wordreference.com/iten/chiavetta

http://www.wordreference.com/enit/diplomat

Corriera della Sera

http://dizionari.corriere.it/dizionario_inglese/index.shtml

examples

https://dizionari.corriere.it/dizionario_inglese/Inglese/D/diplomacy.shtml

http://dizionari.corriere.it/dizionario_inglese/Italiano/C/concorso_1.shtml

https://dizionari.corriere.it/index.shtml?refresh_ce

Glosbe Dictionary

https://glosbe.com/en/it/

example: https://glosbe.com/en/it/truce

Other dictionaries

http://dictionary.cambridge.org/

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-italian/

example: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/italian-english/principio

https://www.stars21.com/dictionary/italian/

https://www.stars21.com/dictionary/italian/english/

a dictionary of diplomacy

Download of old dictionary of international relations

https://www.awesomebooks.com/book/9780140513974/the-penguin-dictionary-of-international-relations

Dizionario di diplomazia e relazioni internazionali-

Dictionary of diplomacy and international relations.

inglese-italiano, English-Italian dictionary

Buri M. Rosaria, Editore Argo, collana Quaderni Isufi, currently out of print, but maybe on Amazon or from IR students selling their books or in a library. Here are 3 possibilities:

https://www.amazon.it/Dizionario-internazionali-Dictionary-international-Inglese-italiano-english-italian/dp/8882343510

https://www.amazon.it/-/en/Maria-Rosaria-Buri/dp/8882343510/ref=sr_1_1?__mk_it_IT=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Qtchv0H-au18IpZ-8K0WDg.FqDeqMlSO7czcYz03sswWP1AWsTLalPcwg-0lrS3ggg&dib_tag=se&keywords=Dizionario+di+diplomazia+e+relazioni+internazionali-Dictionary+of+diplomacy+and+international+relations.+Inglese-italiano%2C+english-italian&qid=1754038497&s=books&sr=1-1

https://www.ibs.it/dizionario-di-diplomazia-relazioni-internazionali-libro-maria-rosaria-buri/e/9788882343514

British National Corpus
http://www.natcorp.ox.ac.uk/
A corpus is the raw material of dictionaries. Look up any word or expression to see examples of how it combines with other words in native-speaker English.

To do a search, go here and log in:

https://www.english-corpora.org/bnc/

I put in ‘ceasefire’ and got 678 examples, which I opened by clicking on the right

Grammar Exercise Books
Essential Grammar in Use – Raymond Murphy, Cambridge University Press
English Grammar in Use – Raymond Murphy, Cambridge University Press

Advanced Grammar in Use – Martin Hewings, Cambridge University Press

Advanced Language Practice – Michael Vince MacMillan

https://trainingintoeurope.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/advanced-language-practice.pdf

Grammar Reference Book
Practical English Usage – Michael Swan, Oxford University Press

Writing Essays

Writing Academic English by Alice Oshima and Ann Hogue, publisher Longman

Sites where you can study English

Here is a site where you can check and practice grammar structures:
http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar
(from here you can also access reading and other resources)
There is also:

https://www.vivquarry.com/wkshts/grammar.html
e.g. http://vivquarry.com/wkshts/linkwd2.html
and

a book https://www.amazon.com/Intermediate-Advanced-Writing-English-Language/dp/0738601225

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/free-resources/writing/c1

and good for IR language content

https://www.cfr.org/articles/cfr-presents-world101-free-online-course-explains-forces-shaping-our-world

and international relations essays

ieltsbuddy.com/international-relations-essays.html

I think the best sites for some essential practice are:

Exam English ✓Free Practice Tests for learners of English

http://examenglish.com/cambridge_esol.php
for lots of free practice material at different levels (about this more later)

for example:

https://www.examenglish.com/IELTS/IELTS_general_reading1.htm
and BBC Learning English
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish new address
and http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/ old address (but still available)
you should explore the site. For example:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/

is for listening practice and dictation http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/

is for grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation

Other sites where you can practice English

iTunes U (via iTunes , which you must install)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/genre/podcasts-education/id1304
for podcasts of university lectures and courses and to see how international relations is taught in English.

https://is.as.uky.edu/five-international-studies-podcasts-follow

https://podcasts.ox.ac.uk/series/politics-and-international-relations-podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/department-of-international-relations/id545994748

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/politics-and-international-relations-podcasts/id538008150

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-relations-for-ipod-iphone/id913182663

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eps-2-the-rise-and-fall-of-diplomacy-league/id1519017031?i=1000478978926

TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design)
http://www.ted.com/
Fantastic presentations from some of the most innovative people in the world. Watching presentations is a really good way to practice comprehension.

e.g. https://www.ted.com/playlists/73/the_global_power_shift

TV Channels

The aim here is to listen and improve your comprehension, stay up to date (so you should also follow the telegiornale in Italian) and absorb some of the language.

BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/

France 24 in English

http://www.france24.com/en/

Aljazeera in English

http://www.aljazeera.com/

You can also get old TV programs and films on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/

A little light translation! for more and easier links see: https://youngdip.blogspot.com a little light translation

Don’t forget, if you need to expand your knowledge of basic vocabulary, go to the EU site where you will find this document (and many more) to download in Italian, English and maybe your second language too.

The EU in 2025

https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/general-report-2025/it/ 119 pages

https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/general-report-2025/en/

The Council of the EU, centre for press releases is another site where you can do more note-taking on vocabulary and sometimes translation:

for example:

https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2026/06/10/public-statement-by-president-costa-following-the-eu-republic-of-korea-summit/

https://www.consilium.europa.eu/it/press/press-releases/

https://www.consilium.europa.eu/it/press/press-releases/2026/06/10/statement-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-eu-on-the-alignment-of-certain-countries-concerning-restrictive-measures-against-serious-human-rights-violations-and-abuses/

https://www.consilium.europa.eu/it/press/press-releases/2026/06/09/simplification-council-and-parliament-strike-deal-to-help-growing-businesses-thrive-and-accelerate-digitalisation/

https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2026/06/09/simplification-council-and-parliament-strike-deal-to-help-growing-businesses-thrive-and-accelerate-digitalisation/

The UN

There is also the UN Annual Report 2025 (or 2024 etc..) for note-taking on the language, unless you want to translate from French or Spanish into English!

https://www.un.org/annualreport/

The concorso

le prove attitudinali del 2025

https://www.esteri.it/it/trasparenza_comunicazioni_legali/bandi_di_concorso/concorsi/prove-attitudinali-2025/

I think the part in English was pretty easy. Of course the problem is that you only have one minute for each question.

le prove attitudinali 2026

https://www.esteri.it/it/trasparenza_comunicazioni_legali/bandi_di_concorso/concorsi/prove-attitudinali-2026/

The 2026 prove were easy too.

Some old sources and texts in previous prove:

2016 https://www.eureporter.co/

https://www.eureporter.co/frontpage/2016/02/12/refugeecrisis-nato-launches-sea-mission-against-migrant-traffickers/

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32015R0478

Have a good look at the EU regulation on page 10 of the 2016 prova:

https://www.esteri.it/mae/resource/doc/2016/07/questionario3-versionedistampaa.pdf

2017

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/british-suicide-bomber-jamal-al-harith-isis-ministers-security-ben-wallace-handed-1m-taxpayer-a7595501.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/27/world/asia/china-tibet-buddhists-larung-gar.html?mtrref=www.google.it&gwh=006C4E3B6BA7C9F46B1C90EA9C93DB2D&gwt=pay

2018

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43381741

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/animal-rights-group-peta-claims-12170446

2019

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1904/190419-notre-dame-r.html

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/1904/190417-nuclear-reactor-r.html

le prove scritte - the titles for the essays for all subjects from 2025:

https://www.esteri.it/it/trasparenza_comunicazioni_legali/bandi_di_concorso/concorsi/prove-scritte-2025/

and from 2026

https://www.esteri.it/it/trasparenza_comunicazioni_legali/bandi_di_concorso/concorsi/prove-scritte-2026/

and have a look at:

Istituto Affari Internazionali

https://www.iai.it/it

https://www.iai.it/it/international-spectator-la-rivista

https://www.iai.it/sites/default/files/regolamento_biblioteca_iai.pdf

for example:

https://www.iai.it/it/pubblicazioni/c05/not-europes-war-gulf-crisis-and-eus-maritime-dilemma

https://www.iai.it/it/pubblicazioni/c05/nato-after-hague-single-issue-sustainable-and-more-european-alliance

Save my blog address:

http://youngdip.blogspot.it/

European and Italian visas - rules and goals

https://www.consilium.europa.eu/it/policies/schengen-area/

https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/schengen-area/

https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en

https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy/applying-schengen-visa_en

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_217

https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/f873d151-f079-424b-9575-bece4113447c_en?filename=EU%20Visa%20Policy%20Strategy.pdf

https://ambwashingtondc.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-straniero/visti/tipologie-di-visto/

and soon, perhaps from the last quarter of 2026 https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias

A Schengen Visa (Short-Stay/Type C) allows tourism, business, or family visits for up to 90 days within a 180-day period across all 29 Schengen countries. A National Visa (Long-Stay/Type D) is for staying in one specific country for over 90 days for purposes like work, study, or family reunification.

https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/?lang=en_GB

https://www.waitaly.net/en/entry-visa/

https://www.waitaly.net/en/extra-ue-citizens-visa/

https://arlettipartners.com/how-to-apply-for-italian-visa/

https://feather-insurance.com/en-it/blog/visa-requirements-guide

https://www.infomigrants.net/en/post/68411/explainer-italys-20262028-flow-decree-decreto-flussi

https://arlettipartners.com/long-stay-visa-italy/

Italian national visas aim to manage sovereign immigration and address domestic economic or demographic needs, whereas European Union (EU) visa frameworks coordinate policies across member states to bolster the bloc's overall security, global competitiveness, and unified talent attraction.

Key differences between the two visas include:

Feature	Schengen Visa (Type C)	National Visa (Type D)
Duration	Max 90 days in a 180-day period.	Typically more than 90 days (up to 1 year).
Purpose	Tourism, transit, business meetings.	Long-term study, work contracts, or residency.
Travel Rights	Unrestricted travel throughout all Schengen Zone countries.	Primary stay in issuing country; allows travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Issuing Authority	Handled uniformly across all Schengen member states.	Issued under the specific national laws of the destination country.
Path to Residency	Non-extendable; you must leave before the 90 days are up.	Can often be converted into a temporary or permanent Residence Permit.

Italian Visa Goals

Domestic Talent Acquisition: Fills local labor market shortages through specific quotas and exemptions (e.g., the Decreto Flussi limits versus "extra-quota" high-skill permits).
Attracting Foreign Capital: The Italian Investor Visa brings capital into the country to fund innovative startups, established businesses, or philanthropic endeavors.
Lifestyle & Remote Work: Welcomes individuals with independent wealth or remote skills (e.g., Elective Residence Visas and Italian Digital Nomad Visas) who contribute to the local economy without competing for local jobs.
Family & Cultural Exchange: Preserves familial bonds and educational ties, managed under individual consular priority.

European Union Visa Goals

Unified Security and Screening: EU Visa Strategies strengthen external borders and unify security screenings, making the entire Schengen area safer.
Schengen Freedom of Movement: Standardizes short-term travel rules (the 90/180-day rule) across member states to facilitate cross-border tourism and business.
The EU Blue Card Directive: Facilitates the entry of highly qualified non-EU nationals to address skill shortages and enhance the EU's global competitiveness in the race for talent.
Economic Strategy: Aligns national visa policies to promote broader European interests, common values, and regional stability.

Italian visas for investors

https://investorvisa.mise.gov.it/index.php/en/

https://www.goldenvisas.com/italy?utm_source=GoogleAdwords&utm_medium=PPC&utm_campaign=CampaignTracker&utm_term=Italian%20golden%20visa&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=244278199&gbraid=0AAAAAD_N2m3d5Z0A2YUNQrPSnD8KMYvn5&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIj9Oh9YCglQMVy5JoCR3FwQ2ZEAAYASAAEgJq4vD_BwE

https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/legal-migration-and-resettlement/work/eu-blue-card-attracting-highly-qualified-talent-eu_en

The EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a fast-track work and residence permit designed for non-EU highly qualified professionals. To qualify, applicants must have a higher education degree (or equivalent professional experience), a valid employment contract or binding job offer in an EU country, and meet specific minimum salary thresholds.

The main qualifications and requirements for highly skilled workers include:

1. Educational and Professional Qualifications

You must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Higher Education: A university degree or higher education qualification representing at least 3 years of study.
Professional Experience: At least 5 years of relevant professional experience equivalent to a higher education degree.
IT Specialists: In specific sectors like Information and Communication Technology (ICT), some countries accept a minimum of 3 years of professional experience acquired within the 7 years prior to the application in lieu of a degree.

2. Employment Requirements

Job Contract: A valid work contract or binding job offer for highly qualified employment.
Contract Duration: The contract must be for a minimum duration of 6 months.
Regulated Professions: For regulated professions (like doctors or lawyers), you must also prove you meet the national legal requirements to practice that specific profession.

3. Salary Threshold

Minimum Wage: Your offered salary must meet or exceed the national threshold of the destination country, which typically ranges from 1 to 1.6 times the average gross annual salary of that member state.
Shortage Occupations: Many countries lower this salary threshold for specific shortage occupations (such as engineers, healthcare workers, and IT specialists).

4. General Requirements

Travel Documents: A valid passport or travel document.
Health Insurance: Proof of sickness insurance that covers all normal risks for nationals in the host country.

Key Benefits

Quota Exemptions: Blue cardholders are typically exempt from national labor market tests and quota caps (e.g., Italy's Decreto Flussi).
Mobility & Family: It grants the right to family reunification and allows for easier movement and long-term residency across other EU Member States.

Security

The EU secures the Schengen Area by heavily integrating its visa policies with advanced border-management technologies. The core framework allows non-EU nationals to visit for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, relying on automated systems to monitor entry, verify identity, and prevent security threats.

Key pillars of this integrated system include:

Entry/Exit System (EES): This automated system registers travelers from outside the EU. It replaces manual passport stamping by securely recording biometrics (fingerprints and facial images) along with entry and exit dates. This automatically flags overstayers and stops individuals using fraudulent identities.

Migration and Home Affairs

Visa Information System (VIS): The VIS links member states to central databases to process short-stay visas. Applications are automatically checked across European security and criminal databases to screen for irregular migration, organized crime, and terrorism.
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS): For citizens of visa-exempt countries, ETIAS serves as a mandatory pre-travel screening program. Travelers must complete an online background check and obtain authorization before entering the Schengen zone.
Digital Visa Applications: The EU is transitioning to fully digital visa processing to streamline procedures, reduce forgery risks, and enhance security checks before a traveler ever reaches the border.

Italy, visas and security

Italy is actively issuing visas, though the application process is strictly regulated with increased scrutiny on security. While Italy plans to issue hundreds of thousands of work visas, all diplomatic representations enforce rigorous background checks and screening protocols to counter illegal migration and security threats.

Visa Application Realities

Strict Screening: Embassies deny visas if applicants pose a potential public security threat, lack adequate medical coverage, or trigger alerts in the Schengen Information System (SIS).
Wait Times: Securing an embassy or consulate appointment can take several weeks, and processing times often exceed 30 days.
No E-Visa: The Italian Embassy has explicitly warned that rumors regarding an electronic visa (e-visa) system are false. All traditional, in-person application requirements remain in place

Italy is tightening its legal immigration and visa procedures, implementing stricter border-control measures, and expanding biometric security to combat irregular migration. While the government regularly issues "flow decrees" (Decreto Flussi) to bring in foreign workers, it has clamped down on unauthorized entries and asylum access.

Visa Issuance and Legal Migration

Flow Decrees: Italy continues to issue work visas and permits, with legislation detailing quotas and special out-of-quota opportunities for stateless persons, refugees, and those who have trained in Italy.
Worker Protection: New laws are actively cracking down on illegal labor recruitment (caporalato) and human trafficking.
Stricter Scrutiny: Consulates are increasing scrutiny over entry visas to reduce "immigration risk" (fears of overstaying). Applicants are required to show robust travel itineraries, viable accommodations, and sufficient financial means.
Family Reunification: The criteria for accessing family reunification visas have also been tightened.

Security Concerns and Border Policies

Irregular Arrivals: The government has heavily securitized external borders, targeting irregular sea arrivals. Stringent decrees—such as those limiting NGO sea rescues and prolonging the detention of unauthorized migrants—have been passed.
EU Alignment: Italy is working closely with the European Union on stricter return and deportation frameworks to ensure that individuals ordered to leave the EU actually depart.
External Processing: Italy has spearheaded controversial external processing arrangements, such as setting up outsourced refugee processing facilities in Albania to handle maritime arrivals.
Security Checks: Entry conditions and the fight against human trafficking have intensified, with enhanced systems in place via Europol to combat cross-border crime.
Documentation and EES: For short-term and visa-exempt travelers, biometrics and ETIAS requirements are focused on preemptively identifying potential security and irregular migration risks