Welcome to the website of the Permanent Mission of Italy to the UN

From July 1 to December 31, 2003, Italy is holding the rotating presidency of the European Union.

The European Union is one of the greatest political experiments in the history of humankind: fifteen countries united in peace to share their resources and build common institutions dedicated to the promotion of democratic values, justice, free trade and respect for basic human rights and fundamental freedoms. We have just recently been joined by 10 new members. It is thus with a great sense of moral and intellectual responsibility that Italy assumes the presidency at this historic juncture, when we must learn from the lessons of the past to build a common future of opportunity and prosperity. The success of what we create tomorrow depends on the strength of our dreams today.

Europe has traveled a long road, overcoming every possible type of crisis, clash of interests and difference of opinion. We have persevered thanks to the adoption of common methods and regulations that help us keep pace with today's changing world.

In the six months of its presidency, one of Italy's top priorities will be to reinvigorate the trans-Atlantic alliance. One of the key mandates of this historic alliance has always been to create the conditions for international peace and security. To honor that commitment today, we must remain united in the fight against international terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the promotion of democracy and the safeguarding of basic human rights.

Among the Italian Presidency's other priorities, to strengthen and enhance the credibility, effectiveness, efficiency, management capacity and leadership of the United Nations system, also through a strengthened and more structured relationship with the EU in the field of crisis management.

The Development Goals enshrined in the Millennium Declaration represent the main challenge facing the Organization and the international community. Only by working together can we make real progress in the areas of eradicating poverty and disease, protecting the environment, fostering economic and social development and preventing the outbreak of new conflicts.

The EU Presidency will strive to intensify, in a coherent and consistent way the strategic relationship with the African and Asian continents; as well between the EU and other regional organizations.

You are invited to visit the newly redesigned Italian Presidency website in New York http://www.italyun.org, in addition to the main EU @ UN website http://www.eu-un.europa.eu. From Italy's website, you can access the Italian Foreign Ministry, the UN and the EU. You are also welcome to explore links related to Italy and its foreign policy. Useful information on the coordination of the EU Presidency at the UN, such as the calendar of meetings, EU statements, press releases, Italian Mission directory and more are included for your convenience. The main Italy EU Presidency site is at: http://www.ueitalia2003.it


Ambassador Marcello Spatafora

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• Directory of the Permanent Mission of Italy to the UN (1/7/2003)