A little light translation!

Use the EU website to improve your ability to produce correct English vocabulary, grammar and syntax and avoid false friends. There are also links to the sites of the UN, the FAO, the Bank of Italy and NATO. Remember the main documents produced by the UN and EU provide a standard for English for international relations.

The homepage of the EU website

Start with the EU homepage and all the documents linked it. Open the homepage in Italian and open it again in English on another page on your laptop. Translate from Italian to English orally line by line, moving from the Italian version to the English version to check. Of course, there will be some differences of style and occasionally of sentence structure, but you are interested in identifying any really bad errors of vocabulary or grammar that you make (the errors will be mainly vocabulary). Make notes on your errors. You should also note any spelling you need to remember.

https://europa.eu/european-union/index_it

https://europa.eu/european-union/index_en

Then open all the documents listed on the homepage (and the ones connected to those!) in Italian and English.

https://eu-solidarity-ukraine.ec.europa.eu/index_it

https://eu-solidarity-ukraine.ec.europa.eu/index_en

For news, go to Featured News section:

https://european-union.europa.eu/news-and-events_it

https://european-union.europa.eu/news-and-events_en

Browse through a selection of Featured EU news, see a comprehensive overview of the latest EU news or read about past and upcoming events from the EU’s institutions and bodies. All are available in all 24 EU official languages via machine translation, when clicking on the full list of corresponding content.

You can change the language of the document directly at the top of the page but ‘Tutte le notizie sono disponibili nelle 24 lingue ufficiali dell'UE mediante traduzione automatica.’  L'italiano è disponibile in versione tradotta automaticamente dal servizio eTranslation della Commissione europea.

So the quality of the translation of these news items may vary.

La traduzione automatica permette di farsi un'idea di massima del contenuto di una pagina in una lingua che si conosce. È del tutto automatizzata e non prevede alcun intervento umano. La qualità e la precisione della traduzione automatica possono variare notevolmente da un testo all'altro e da una combinazione linguistica all'altra. La Commissione europea non ne garantisce l'esattezza e non accetta alcuna responsabilità per eventuali errori. Alcuni contenuti (come immagini, video, file, ecc.) non possono essere tradotti a causa dei limiti tecnici del sistema.

Non utilizzare eTranslation per tradurre gli atti legislativi dell'UE. Le versioni facenti fede nelle 24 lingue ufficiali sono disponibili su Eur-Lex.

You can, of course, search for a particular topic on the EU website:

the EU/UK future relationship after Brexit

https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/relations-non-eu-countries/relations-united-kingdom_it

https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/relations-non-eu-countries/relations-united-kingdom_en

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_26_955

or the EU response to Covid-19

https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/coronavirus-response_it

https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/coronavirus-response_en

Here is the main document to use for translation practice:

The EU in 2025 (the General Report on the Activities of the European Union)

Don’t forget, if you need to expand your knowledge of basic vocabulary, go to the Publications Office of the European Union at https://op.europa.eu/en/home on the EU site in Italian and English, where you will find ‘the EU in 2025’ (the General Report on the Activities of the European Union,178 pages divided into various sections). 

https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/a43004fd-12ef-11f1-8870-01aa75ed71a1/language-it

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

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

Download the pdf of the full text of L’UE nel 2025 in Italian. Then change the language to English and dowload the pdf of ‘The EU in 2025’ in English. (It is also availaable in French, Spanish and German if you want)

Open the report in Italian on your main page and open it again on another page in English on your laptop. Translate from Italian to English orally line by line, moving from the Italian version to the English version every two or three lines to check and make notes on vocabulary, synonyms, grammar, word order, spelling, linking words, false friends and verbs or adjectives that take particular prepositions. Of course, there will be some differences of style and occasionally of sentence structure, but you are interested in identifying any really bad errors of vocabulary, word order or grammar that you make (the errors will be mainly vocabulary). Make notes on your errors, any spelling you need to remember or words that seem particularly useful.

Then click on the second language that you want and download in Spanish, French or German! For example:

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

The EU publications site is also useful if you are looking for other texts to read or translate)

https://op.europa.eu/en/home

https://op.europa.eu/en/web/general-publications/publications look at the links to publications on the Green Deal, the environment, artificial intelligence (AI) etc.

and for the general report for previous years previous years, just do a search on https://op.europa.eu/en/home for ‘the Eu in 2024’ etc.

2024

https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/general-report-2024/it/ 174 pages

https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/general-report-2024/en/

2023

https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/general-report-2023/it/

https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/general-report-2023/en/

2022

https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/general-report-2022/it/

https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/general-report-2022/en/

2021

https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/general-report-2021/it/

https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/general-report-2021/en/

2020

https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/general-report-2020/it/

https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/general-report-2020/en/

2019

https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/general-report-2019/it/

https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/general-report-2019/en/

2018

https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/general-report-2018/it/

https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/general-report-2018/en/

2017

https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/general-report-2017/it/

https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/general-report-2017/en/

2016

https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/general-report-2016/it/

https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/general-report-2016/en/

The EU in 2015

https://op.europa.eu/it/web/general-report

https://op.europa.eu/documents/2072384/2117292/NAAD16001ENN.pdf/7583a46b-e8f0-4ae7-b03f-8ebea15d2e76

and you can download ‘the General report on the activities of the European Union 2014’ (288 pages!) in Italian and English from this link:

https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/beafd525-4bc8-468c-9342-69041fb04e0f

If you prefer, you can go straight to the English version of the EU in 2023 or other texts on the EU site or UN site and simply start taking notes on common expressions used in diplomatic English.

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/

There’s also EU law. Search for a specific topic, the click on the law, choose the language and download the text

For example, assistence to Ukraine:

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/search.html?scope=EURLEX&text=2022&lang=en&type=quick&qid=1663182311648

or cybersecurity with the text in different languages

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32023R2841&qid=1754063715007

There's also the European Green Deal in Italian and English

https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_it

https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en

This page and all the linked pages

https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/story-von-der-leyen-commission/european-green-deal_en?prefLang=it

And the EU Recovery plan - NextGenerationEU

https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/recovery-plan-europe_it

https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/recovery-plan-europe_en

https://reforms-investments.ec.europa.eu/recovery-and-resilience-facility-1_en

and the Draghi Report on EU Competitiveness

https://commission.europa.eu/topics/competitiveness/draghi-report_en?prefLang=it

L'italiano è disponibile in versione tradotta automaticamente dal servizio eTranslation della Commissione europea.

and, of course, as we said, all the pages and documents linked to the EU’s main page

https://europa.eu/european-union/index_it

https://europa.eu/european-union/index_en

The UN for note-taking

There is also the UN Annual Report 2025 for note-taking on the language and vocabulary, but no text in Italian, so no translation unless you want to translate from French, German or Spanish into English!

https://www.un.org/en/annualreport/2025/introduction then download all the sections listed on the right

2024

https://www.un.org/en/annualreport2024

2023

https://www.un.org/en/annualreport2023

2022

https://news.un.org/pages/annualreport-2022/

2021

https://unfccc.int/annual-report-2021

or 2020

https://www.un.org/annualreport/2020/

or 2019

https://www.un.org/annualreport/2019/

or 2018

https://www.un.org/annualreport/2018/

If you prefer you can go straight to the UN site and simply read and take notes on the vocabulary and phraseology that they use. Start with the UN News Centre:

https://news.un.org/en/news (click on the right for stories from previous years)

and for listening practice, go to the UN audio section

https://news.un.org/en/audio-hub

https://news.un.org/en/audio-product/news-brief

You should also look at all the links on the right on both those pages

There's also the FAO for note-taking and some translation

https://www.fao.org/home/en

and there are some sections and articles in Italian and English. I searched for ‘the FAO, articles in Italian’ and got this:

https://www.fao.org/fao-italy/it

https://www.fao.org/fao-italy/en

and the related articles in Italian (usually with an English version too), but generally if you find an article on the FAO website, you will have to check which have been translated into Italian.

Some examples:

https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/extreme-heat-is-pushing-agrifood-systems-to-the-brink-worldwide/it

https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/extreme-heat-is-pushing-agrifood-systems-to-the-brink-worldwide/en

https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/strait-of-hormuz-crisis--fertilizer-scarcity-will-affect-next-harvests-and-food-supplies--fao-warns/it

https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/strait-of-hormuz-crisis--fertilizer-scarcity-will-affect-next-harvests-and-food-supplies--fao-warns/en

https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/conflict-in-the-near-east-region-adds-pressure-on-fragile-agrifood-systems--fao-director-general-warns/it

https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/conflict-in-the-near-east-region-adds-pressure-on-fragile-agrifood-systems--fao-director-general-warns/en

https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/fao-celebrates-2026-international-day-of-forests-and-world-water-day/it

https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/fao-celebrates-2026-international-day-of-forests-and-world-water-day/en

There are also lots of articles on the FAO newsroom and archive pages

https://www.fao.org/newsroom/it

 https://www.fao.org/newsroom/en

https://www.fao.org/webcast/archive/en/

There’s also the Bank of Italy site to explore

https://www.bancaditalia.it/ change the language to English at the top on the right

For example:

https://www.bancaditalia.it/pubblicazioni/bollettino-economico/2026-2/index.html

https://www.bancaditalia.it/pubblicazioni/bollettino-economico/2026-2/index.html?com.dotmarketing.htmlpage.language=1

There’s also NATO for note-taking

Start with the main page:

https://www.nato.int/en

for example:

https://www.nato.int/en/news-and-events/articles/news/2026/06/06/nato-launches-task-force-x-arctic-to-strengthen-awareness-in-the-arctic-and-the-high-north?selectedLocale=

https://www.nato.int/en/news-and-events/articles/news/2026/06/03/north-atlantic-council-visits-ukraine?selectedLocale=

https://www.nato.int/en/news-and-events/articles/news/2026/05/29/japan-deploys-personnel-to-nato-security-assistance-and-training-for-ukraine?selectedLocale=

and regarding the history of NATO, its structure and Italy’s role

https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/declassified_139339.htm

https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/organization/founding-treaty

https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/organization/nato-member-countries

https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/organization/nato-structure

https://www.nato.int/en/what-is-nato.html

https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/organization/who-we-are

https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/organization/nato-on-the-map

https://www.nato.int/en/news-and-events/events/transcripts/2026/01/22/press-conference-cmc-saceur-sact?selectedLocale=

https://www.nato.int/en/news-and-events/events/media-advisories/2026/03/16/nato-secretary-general-meets-the-minister-for-foreign-affairs-of-italy?selectedLocale=

use https://www.nato.int/en/search to do a search

also

https://rappnato.esteri.it/it/litalia-e-la-nato/ you can click to change the language to English

Italy and the campaign for a universal moratorium on the death penalty.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DKOd9j6OvJm/

Italy's engagement against the death penalty for the 2026–2028 term focuses on pushing for a universal moratorium and the complete abolition of capital punishment at the United Nations.

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinates this international strategy during Italy's term as a member of the UN Human Rights Council.

Key Goals and Actions

• Universal Moratorium: The main goal is to stop all executions worldwide and move toward total abolition.
• UN Resolutions: The Inter-Regional Task Force on the Moratorium on the Use of the Death Penalty is a cross-regional coalition of United Nations member states that works to promote the universal abolition of capital punishment through the UN General Assembly. Italy works with the Interregional Task Force to support and pass resolutions at the UN General Assembly.
• Global Dialogue: Italy raises awareness with other countries, talks with civil society groups, and stimulates public debates

https://www.esteri.it/en/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/comunicati/2026/05/il-sottosegretario-dellutri-presiede-la-task-force-contro-la-pena-di-morte/

https://www.esteri.it/en/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/comunicati/2026/05/dichiarazione-congiunta-dei-41-membri-della-task-force-interregionale-sulla-moratoria-delluso-della-pena-di-morte/

https://en.lamilano.it/Rome/Italy-relaunches-the-death-penalty-with-the-aim-of-a-universal-moratorium-and-global-abolition./

https://onuitalia.com/2026/05/21/pena-di-morte-in-autunno-a-ny-torna-il-negoziato-sulla-moratoria-riunita-in-italia-cabina-di-regia/

https://italiarappginevra.esteri.it/en/news/dalla_rappresentanza/2025/02/intervento-dellitalia-in-occasione-del-panel-biennale-di-alto-livello-sulla-pena-di-morte-nellambito-della-58ma-sessione-del-consiglio-diritti-umani/

https://italyun.esteri.it/en/news/dalla_rappresentanza/2024/11/statement-of-italys-permanent-representative-amb-maurizio-massari-at-the-un-general-assemblys-third-committees-plenary-meetin/

https://onuitalia.com/2024/11/18/pena-di-morte-aumentano-i-consensi-per-la-moratoria/

‘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/

Italian cinema and cultural diplomacy, public diplomacy and soft power

Italian cinema is a fundamental instrument of soft power, capable of shaping the global imagination and promoting the country's culture, values, and lifestyle through the power of storytelling. From the postwar period to the present day, the silver screen has projected Italian identity far beyond national borders.

From the Origins to Postwar Masterpieces

After the Second World War, Neorealism (e.g., Rossellini's Rome, Open City, De Sica's Bicycle Thieves) redefined world cinema and offered the image of a country rising from the ashes of fascism. This era forged the myth of a passionate, tragic, yet vital Italy. Subsequently, masters such as Federico Fellini (with La Dolce Vita) and Michelangelo Antonioni consecrated the elegance, aesthetics, and intellectual complexity of "Made in Italy," influencing generations of filmmakers worldwide.

The Global Market and Cultural Diplomacy

Today, the Italian film and audiovisual industry—represented by organizations such as ANICA (National Association of Film, Audiovisual and Multimedia Industries) —is considered a strategic asset. Cinema is, in effect, an element of cultural diplomacy:

• Tourism and the economy: Iconic locations, celebrated in both classic and contemporary cinema, stimulate high-value experiential (firsthand) tourism (e.g., the landscapes of the Amalfi Coast or Sicily in films and TV series).

• Exporting Values: Through international festivals (such as the Venice International Film Festival), Italy projects its ability to generate beauty, its history, and its social debate, attracting investment and promoting multilateral dialogue.

For industry insiders, as also promoted by the Soft Power Club, the audiovisual sector remains one of the most effective levers for captivating and engaging global public opinion, transforming the perception of Italianness into a prestigious and desirable brand.

Italian cinema functions as a cornerstone of the country's public diplomacy, utilizing its historical prestige and modern allure to project "Made in Italy" soft power globally. State-backed initiatives and the global network of Italian Cultural Institutes actively promote national identity, aesthetic heritage, and socio-political values to foreign audiences.

The integration of filmmaking and international relations operates through several key channels:

• Institutional Promotion: The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI), alongside the Ministry of Culture, leverages state archives and institutions to distribute and exhibit Italian films worldwide. The Directorate General for Cultural Relations Abroad curates historical and modern cinematic artifacts to reinforce foreign policy and intercultural dialogue.
• Network of Cultural Institutes: Italian Cultural Institutes (IIC) globally serve as the primary hubs for diplomatic film screenings, retrospectives, and industry panels. These events highlight Italian realist traditions and contemporary storytelling to foster international collaboration and mutual cultural understanding.
• Co-production Treaties: The Italian government facilitates cross-border cinematic partnerships through formal international agreements (such as the 1993 film co-production treaty with Australia) to merge artistic resources and deepen geopolitical ties.
• Global Festivals and Showcases: Italian embassies utilize prestigious international venues to anchor their diplomatic programming. For instance, diplomatic missions host official delegations and showcase acclaimed works at events like the European Film Festival in Singapore to elevate Italy’s cultural profile on the world stage

Italy strategically wields cinema as a vital soft power tool to project its heritage, values, and contemporary creativity abroad. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) partners with institutions like Cinecittà and the global network of Italian Cultural Institutes to host festivals, retrospectives, and immersive events worldwide.

Italy's film-focused diplomacy operates through several core pillars and institutional channels:

Institutional Framework and Initiatives

• Fare Cinema: An annual global festival dedicated to showcasing Italian film and the professions behind the camera. Embassies and Consulates worldwide use this framework to host screenings, masterclasses, and Q&As with Italian directors and actors.
• The Grand Tour: A celebrated initiative where Italian diplomatic missions host thematic cinema events highlighting specific regions and contemporary filmmaking. For instance, embassies transform into "Casa Italia," screening films that act as visual journeys across locales like Naples and Rome to build global networks.
• Farnesina Archive: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains a specialized Cinematographic Archive documenting the decades-long export of Italian film, which remains highly prized for its historical impact.

Strategic Goals and Themes

• Showcasing Cultural Continuity: The diplomatic strategy often bridges Italy’s legendary cinematic past (such as Neorealism and figures like Federico Fellini) with modern, socially conscious, and innovative works.
• Promoting Tourism and Territory: Screenings are paired with localized promotion of Italy's landscapes, food, and lifestyle, translating the cinematic experience into economic and cultural interest.
• International Co-production: Through partnerships with global institutions—such as the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles—Italy fosters deep creative ties, recognizing film as a key driver for both economic impact and cross-border innovation.

• Italian Cinema in the documents of the Diplomatic Historical ...

The Cinematographic Archive of the Directorate General for Cultural Relations Abroad (DGRC) is housed within the Diplomatic Historical Archive

https://www.esteri.it/en/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/diplomazia-culturale/2024/10/il-cinema-italiano-nelle-carte-dellarchivio-storico-diplomatico/

Fare Cinema è una rassegna tematica promossa dal Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale (MAECI), nata per valorizzare e promuovere il cinema italiano di qualità e l'industria cinematografica del Paese all'estero.

Il progetto si articola in una serie di iniziative organizzate dalla rete delle Ambasciate, dei Consolati e degli Istituti Italiani di Cultura in tutto il mondo. Prevede solitamente la proiezione di film, documentari e cortometraggi, oltre a incontri, masterclass e retrospettive volti a far conoscere non solo le opere ma anche tutti i "mestieri" che si celano dietro la realizzazione di un'opera audiovisiva.

L'iniziativa si avvale della collaborazione del Ministero della Cultura (MiC) e di importanti partner istituzionali e di settore, tra cui ANICA, ICE (Agenzia per la promozione all'estero e l'internazionalizzazione delle imprese italiane) e Istituto Luce-Cinecittà

https://www.esteri.it/it/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/tag/fare-cinema/

https://ambpodgorica.esteri.it/it/news/dall_ambasciata/2026/09/fare-cinema-due-serate-dedicate-al-cinema-italiano-sotto-le-stelle/

https://iicbuenosaires.esteri.it/it/gli_eventi/calendario/fare-cinema-2026-short-film-day-2/

https://www.esteri.it/it/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/tag/fare-cinema/

Italian Screens è il progetto di punta del Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale nato per promuovere il cinema italiano contemporaneo nel mondo.

L'iniziativa porta le migliori produzioni cinematografiche nazionali in vari Paesi attraverso rassegne e anteprime esclusive. Il programma è realizzato in collaborazione con il Ministero della Cultura, Cinecittà e l'Accademia del Cinema Italiano – Premi David di Donatello.

Oltre a valorizzare la cultura, lo scopo è attrarre produzioni straniere in Italia promuovendo gli incentivi statali come il tax credit e i fondi per le coproduzioni.

https://www.aise.it/iic/italian-screens-2026-a-dakar-6-film-e-6-prospettive-sul-cinema-italiano-contemporaneo/233993/138

 https://www.italyformovies.it/news/detail/3206/ricatto-della-bellezza-ambasciate-e-diplomazia-al-centro-del-film-con-antonio-catania-e-vanessa-gravina

https://www.esteri.it/en/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/eventi/2021/03/della-vedova-cinema-fondamentale-per-l-italia/

https://www.esteri.it/en/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/retediplomatica/2026/07/praga-rassegna-di-cinema-italiano-in-repubblica-ceca/

https://iictokyo.esteri.it/it/gli_eventi/calendario/festival-del-cinema-italiano-ventiseiesima-edizione/

https://www.aise.it/iic/fare-cinema-i-cortometraggi-finalisti-ai-premi-david-di-donatello-a-miami-con-liic-/234588/115

https://iiclondra.esteri.it/en/gli_eventi/calendario/cinema-made-in-italy-2026/

https://iicseoul.esteri.it/it/gli_eventi/calendario/fare-cinema-2026-roma-citta-aperta/

https://iicseoul.esteri.it/it/gli_eventi/calendario/fare-cinema-2026-the-italian-movie-industry/#:~:text=Dal%2019%20al%2028%20giugno,industria%20cinematografica%20italiana%20nel%20mondo.

https://www.esteri.it/en/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/diplomazia-culturale/2025/07/praga-omaggio-a-fellini-il-genio-che-parla-alle-nuove-generazioni/

https://iicseoul.esteri.it/it/gli_eventi/calendario/fare-cinema-2026-the-italian-movie-industry/

https://ambmadrid.esteri.it/it/gli_eventi/calendario/fare-cinema-2026-iic-madrid-presenta-lanteprima-del-film-primavera-di-damiano-michieletto/

https://iicdakar.esteri.it/it/gli_eventi/calendario/italian-screens-2026/

Thus Italian cinema serves as a key feature of the country's cultural diplomacy. By leveraging its globally recognized cinematic heritage and offering robust production incentives, Italy projects its soft power, fosters international partnerships, and promotes its national identity to global audiences.

The systematic use of Italian films abroad is coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). The diplomatic strategy operates on several key pillars:

• Italian Cultural Institutes (IICs): The global network of IICs (with major hubs in cities like London, New York, and Sydney) frequently hosts screenings, retrospectives, and filmmaker Q&As. These events act as vital touchpoints for local audiences to engage with Italian arts and sociopolitical realities.
• The Farnesina Archives: The Ministry maintains a specific Cinematographic Archive within its Diplomatic Historical Archive in Rome, which documents and supports the global distribution of Italian movies.
• Targeted Showcase Events: Embassies worldwide utilize curated film series to anchor broader diplomatic initiatives. For instance, events like "Ciak si gira. The Grand Tour of Italian Cinema" serve as the grand finale for regional outreach and bilateral promotion campaigns.
• Attracting International Production: Italy actively uses economic diplomacy to bring global productions to its shores. The country offers a highly competitive 40% tax rebate on eligible audiovisual production expenditures, drawing foreign studios while boosting the domestic industry and local economies.

Through these interconnected efforts, Italy ensures that its cinematic arts remain a primary medium for cross-cultural dialogue and public diplomacy.

 

Italian diplomacy and emerging strategies to boost and reshape tourism to Italy

Italy uses tourism as a core instrument of public and cultural diplomacy, driving billions in revenue while fostering global goodwill. Through initiatives like the "Turismo delle Radici" (Roots Tourism) and global campaigns like "Open to Meraviglia", the government connects with the 80 million people of Italian descent worldwide.

Italian tourism and diplomacy are closely intertwined through several key strategic initiatives and cultural tools:

Turismo delle Radici (Roots Tourism): Promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI), this initiative encourages Italians living abroad to reconnect with their heritage and visit small, remote villages. The initiative involves hundreds of mayors and specifically targets small and medium-sized enterprises to boost local economies.

Global Cultural Events: Embassies, Consulates, and Italian Cultural Institutes worldwide act as the front line for promoting Italian tourism. They host recurring thematic programs like Italian Cuisine Week, Italian Design Day, and Contemporary Art Day to entice foreigners with Italy's lifestyle.

Sports Diplomacy: High-profile events such as the Giro d'Italia are utilized as ambassadors for tourism. They showcase the country's landscapes, from major cities to rural towns, to a global audience.

Public Diplomacy Campaigns: Italy continuously updates its image with strategic branding. For example, the Tourism Board launched the “Open to Meraviglia” campaign, employing Botticelli's Venus as a modern digital influencer to appeal to younger demographics and boost sector revenues.

https://credo.unisi.it/newsroom/blog-post/can-venus-act-influencer-insight-italys-public-and-cultural-diplomacy

https://www.vinitaly.com/en/magazine/the-italian-national-tourism-board-enit-is-accelerating-its-international-communication-even-for-wine-and-foodthe-president-of-enit-palmucci-feelings-about-italy-are-always-positive-and-wine-tourism-is-a-tool-for-the-development-of-local-ar/

L'Italia promuove il turismo internazionale attraverso una strategia integrata gestita dal Ministero del Turismo e sviluppata dall'ENIT - Agenzia Nazionale del Turismo. L'obiettivo è valorizzare l'intero patrimonio territoriale, destagionalizzare i flussi e promuovere destinazioni meno note, esaltando l'autenticità e il "Made in Italy".

Italy’s economic diplomacy and the promotion of Made in Italy products and the Italian life-style are thus obviously closely linked to boosting tourism to Italy.

https://www.esteri.it/en/temi/diplomazia_economica/promozione-integrata-del-sistema/

Sports tourism

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics were highly successful for sports tourism, generating a total estimated economic impact of over €5.3 billion. The event attracted over 2.5 million spectators with an average stay of 3 days, which resulted in €2.3 billion driven directly by tourism spending and operational staff.

Specific successes of this sports tourism strategy include:

Extended Tourism Revenue: Banca Ifis research reported an additional €1.2 billion in extended tourism revenues over the 12–18 months following the Games.

Increased Connectivity: Long-haul air capacity into Milan surged, with flights from key markets like the UAE growing by roughly 30%.

Accommodation Rates: Booking platforms recorded localized accommodation prices jumping by up to 150% in host cities like Milan, Verona, and Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Long-Term Legacy: Approximately €3 billion was injected into infrastructure and sustainable local development, helping accelerate transport, healthcare, and digital connectivity across northern Italy.

Religious ‘Tourism’

To call pilgrims to Rome ‘tourists’ may seem lacking in respect but from an economic point of view, for Rome, as the home of the Pope in the Vatican City and the centre of Catholicism, this is clearly a key factor especially during a Jubilee year. The 2025 Jubilee transformed Rome into a massive global attraction, drawing an estimated record-breaking 30 to 33.5 million pilgrims and tourists. This influx caused a massive economic boost, doubling annual tourism revenue to well over €15 billion, which significantly benefited both historical sites and newly developed infrastructure.

The impact of the Jubilee on Rome's tourism sector featured several key changes:

Record-Breaking Crowds: The Eternal City welcomed roughly 33.5 million visitors. This surge was fueled by an expanded range of international markets, with significant increases in travelers from Argentina, Mexico, Canada, and Poland.

Increased Length of Stay: The massive boost pushed average visitor stays to 4.1 nights (up from the Italian national average of 3). Vatican-area points of interest saw a massive 33% increase in engagement and reviews.

Urban and Luxury Upgrades: To accommodate the influx, the city underwent major restoration works and infrastructure investments. Over ten new luxury hotels opened, and historical areas like the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps were revamped.

Accommodation and Pricing Shifts: While overall hotel prices remained relatively stable, demand for rentals heavily skewed the local housing market. Budget accommodations became particularly attractive for solo travelers and pilgrims

The wider European context:

https://www.visualcapitalist.com/mapped-europes-most-visited-countries/

https://www.euronews.com/travel/2026/05/19/which-are-europes-most-visited-countries-by-tourists

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20260304-1

France leads the European rankings with over 102 million annual visitors. However, many tourists only pass through, resulting in shorter average stays. When ranking by total overnight stays and tourism intensity (nights per local resident), Mediterranean destinations like Spain and Italy dominate.

Top European countries by arrivals and duration highlight distinct travel patterns:

France: Retains the number 1 spot globally with over 100 million visitors, driven by Paris and transit travel to the Alps or Mediterranean. However, it ranks third in total overnight stays (approx. 472 million) because many international travelers use it as a short-term hub.

Spain: Ranks second in arrivals (~94 million) but first in overall European tourism nights with 513.6 million, and leads in tourism intensity (tourist nights relative to the local population).

Italy: Secures third place with about 65–66 million visitors and ranks second in total overnight stays (476.9 million). Tourists tend to stay longer to explore multiple regions.

Türkiye: Attracts over 60 million visitors, benefiting from strong cultural and coastal tourism.,

Germany and the United Kingdom: Draw roughly 38–42 million visitors each, primarily for urban sightseeing, business, and cultural travel

https://www.rainews.it/articoli/2026/07/litalia-al-top-nel-turismo-in-europa-per-meloni-settore-strategico-c2e25b85-23d5-417e-9074-e217ddadf430.html

Italy is the world's premier cultural destination, boasting a global record of 61 UNESCO World Heritage sites. While iconic hubs like Rome’s Colosseum and Florence’s Uffizi Gallery dominate initial visits, the modern experience blends heritage with gastronomy, local hospitality, and off-the-beaten-path village explorations.

Core Highlights & Regions

The Art Cities: Rome remains the undisputed hub of Italian cultural travel, housing historical sites like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. Other major art cities like Florence, Venice, and Milan offer deep dives into Renaissance art and modern fashion.

Southern and Central Heritage: Pompeii is the most visited site nationwide. Puglia offers unique Baroque architecture in Lecce and UNESCO-protected trulli in Alberobello.

The Villages (I Borghi): Independent cultural travel has seen a massive surge, with travelers opting to explore the historic, less-crowded villages of Tuscany, Umbria, and Aosta Valley.

Cultural Travel Insights

The Motive: "Arts & Culture" remains the primary driver of travel to Italy, accounting for nearly 35% of all visits. In fact, research from the Banca d'Italia and the Isnart-Unioncamere Observatory indicates that up to 70% of tourists visiting Italy engage in cultural tourism or travel primarily to cities of art. Furthermore, cultural motivation accounts for about 34.7% of all trips, making history, art, and heritage the leading drivers for visiting the country.

Who is traveling: Most visitors are couples (43%) and families (28%), though independent solo travel has seen notable recent increases.

Experiences: Beyond ancient ruins and museums, today's cultural tourists are highly focused on food, local wine, and bespoke local tours

Why don’t more foreign tourists come to Italy to go to sea and the beaches for their holidays (as they do in Spain)?

Tourists in Italy flock to major art cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice because of their iconic cultural landmarks. Roughly 70% of international tourists center on just 1% of the country's territory, prioritizing fast-paced sightseeing over relaxing.

Additionally, Italy's iconic coastal hotspots are expensive, highly crowded, and have limited infrastructure. Popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre see millions of visitors annually, making them logistical nightmares for quick day trips. Rather than navigating packed buses, 7-day hotel minimum stays, and private beach club fees (stabilimenti balneari), many travelers opt to spend their time in the cities.

Can this be changed?

Il Ministero degli Esteri (Farnesina) supporta la diversificazione e la destagionalizzazione del turismo italiano promuovendo mete meno note per contrastare l'overtourism. Le strategie chiave includono la spinta sul Turismo delle Radici, l'elaborazione di studi mirati Attrazione Flussi Turistici per mercati esteri e lo sviluppo di un turismo lento ed esperienziale

https://italysegreta.com/overtourism-in-italy-is-a-problem/

https://transition-pathways.europa.eu/tourism/knowledge-documents/cultural-tourism-italy-evolves-through-data-experience-and-new

https://www.esteri.it/en/servizi-opportunita/italiani-all-estero/turismo-delle-radici/

https://www.ministeroturismo.gov.it/

https://www.ministeroturismo.gov.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Volume_PST_Settembre_2024_web_B.pdf

https://istitutoeuropeodelturismo.it/viaggi-2026-le-tendenze-che-stanno-trasformando-il-turismo/

An example of promotional advertising for a region, aimed at foreign tourists:

Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) is rapidly becoming Italy's standout destination. For foreigners seeking authentic experiences, it offers the Alps, the Adriatic, and UNESCO sites like Aquileia, all within a 1.5-hour drive of Venice, but without the mass tourism.

Discovering this "best-kept secret" requires hitting a few hyper-specific highlights:

Trieste: Start at the stunning Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia and explore the majestic Castello di Miramare.

The Collio Wine Region: Famous for its world-class white wines, this area bordering Slovenia is perfect for relaxed agriturismo stays and vineyard tours.

Mountain Escapes: The Laghi di Fusine near Tarvisio offer pristine glacial lakes and dramatic alpine backdrops.

Historical Gems: Check out the Star City of Palmanova and Cividale del Friuli's Devil's Bridge (Ponte del Diavolo

https://www.enit.it/storage/202509/20250926175436_friuli%20venezia%20giulia_cs_wttc_2025_eng.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiMTKF_LFSg video

https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/inspiration/how-to-experience-friuli-venezia-giulia-italys-best-kept-secret/

and for a specific town:

Sacile è un'affascinante cittadina in provincia di Pordenone. Dubbed the "Garden of the Serenissima" or "Little Venice," is an emerging gem in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Built on two islands on the Livenza River, it boasts Venetian-style architecture, lush parks, and the 16th-century Palazzo Ragazzoni. Located just 15 km from Pordenone, it offers an authentic, crowd-free alternative to Venice.

Key Highlights for Travelers

Palazzo Ragazzoni: A magnificent 16th-century building in the heart of the historic center featuring frescoes by a pupil of Paolo Veronese.

Piazza del Popolo: The bustling main square, surrounded by 15th-century loggias and historic buildings, making it perfect for an aperitif.

Fiume Livenza: The lifeblood of the city, ideal for romantic walks along weeping willows, arched bridges, and waterways.

Il Duomo di Sacile: A striking cathedral located on the river's edge, housing beautiful artworks.

Fazioli Concert Hall: Located a short walk from the center, famous worldwide for its handcrafted grand pianos.

https://www.italia.it/en/friuli-venezia-giulia/pordenone/sacile

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g1201161-Activities-Sacile_Province_of_Pordenone_Friuli_Venezia_Giulia.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g1201161-Sacile_Province_of_Pordenone_Friuli_Venezia_Giulia-Vacations.html

https://www.visitsacile.it/

https://www.turismofvg.it/information-about/tourist-offices/sacile-tourist-office

Il sindaco di Sacile, Carlo Spagnol, punta fortemente sul rilancio turistico della "Giardino della Serenissima", puntando sulla cultura e sulla valorizzazione del patrimonio storico.

Una mossa chiave in questa direzione è l'inaugurazione del nuovo Infopoint nel cuore di Palazzo Ragazzoni, un progetto strategico che ha visto l'Ufficio accoglienza turistica comunale integrarsi ufficialmente nella rete regionale gestita da PromoTurismoFVG.

Per maggiori informazioni o per scoprire gli eventi in programma a Sacile, puoi consultare i canali ufficiali del primo cittadino sul sito di Carlo Spagnol o la pagina dedicata al turismo sul portale della Regione Friuli Venezia Giulia.

https://www.regione.fvg.it/rafvg/comunicati/comunicato.act?dir=/rafvg/cms/RAFVG/notiziedallagiunta/&nm=20260311124157003

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0cbVgjlIBU a beautiful video!

https://www.visitsacile.it/arte-storia-fede/architetture/palazzo-ragazzoni/

https://www.visitsacile.it/contatti/

https://hotelsacile.it/it/

https://hotelsacile.it/en/

L'estate 2026 per il turismo in Italia è andata molto bene, con numeri record e una forte crescita trainata soprattutto dai turisti stranieri.

Luglio 2026: Crescita e Dati Positivi

• Presenze e arrivi in aumento: A luglio si è registrato un +4,4% di presenze turistiche rispetto allo stesso mese del 2025, con oltre 4 milioni di presenze e 1 milione di arrivi in più.
• Il traino straniero: La componente estera è cresciuta del 6%, mentre quella italiana si è fermata a un più contenuto +2,3%.
• Tipologie di alloggio: Bene sia il comparto alberghiero (+2,5%) sia l'extra-alberghiero (+6,7%).

Agosto 2026: Ferragosto e Occupazione

• Tassi di occupazione alti: Ad agosto i tassi di saturazione e occupazione delle strutture ricettive italiane sono rimasti elevati (intorno al 58,5% per le stime di saturazione online), superando in molti periodi i livelli di Francia e Spagna. Le località balneari hanno toccato punte dell'82-85% a Ferragosto.
• Le mete preferite: Le località di mare restano le più richieste, ma ottimi risultati si sono visti anche nelle città d'arte (Roma, Napoli e Venezia sopra l'80%) e negli agriturismi.
• L'impatto dei rincari: Nonostante il bilancio positivo e una spesa complessiva stimata attorno ai 20,4 miliardi di euro tra luglio e agosto, si sono fatti sentire i rincari di prezzi ed energia. Questo ha spinto alcuni italiani a optare per vacanze più brevi, gite fuori porta o a rateizzare le spese di viaggio.