The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is responsible for carrying out the functions and tasks of the State in matters concerning Italy's external political, economic, social and cultural relations; the representation, coordination and protection of Italian interests at the international level; the analysis, definition and implementation of Italian action in international policy matters; relations with other countries and with international organisations; the drafting and review of treaties and international conventions and the coordination of the activities involved in executing them; the study and resolution of questions involving international law, as well as international legal cases; the representation of the Italian position regarding the implementation of provisions connected with the common foreign and security policy as envisaged by the Treaty of the European Union and the external political and economic relations of the European Union; development cooperation; emigration and the protection of the Italian community and workers abroad; and European integration activities regarding claims and negotiating processes in connection with the treaties of the European Union, the European Community, the ECSC and EURATOM.

In carrying out its ordained tasks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also ensures that the international and European activities engaged in by other government departments are consistent with the country's international policy objectives.

Those functions connected with Italy's participation in the European Union that are the responsibility of the Prime Minister's Office, and the implementation of related policies, continue to fall within the remit of that office.

The Foreign Affairs Administration consists of the central offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the diplomatic missions, the consular offices and Italian cultural institutes. Italian schools and educational institutes abroad also answer to the MFA.