The European Union maintains relations with third countries and international organizations. Italy contributes to the so-called “external dimension” of the EU, particularly by promoting political dialogue and cooperation in areas of common interest and high added value, including energy, digital and connectivity issues, trade, immigration, security, and defence. The most significant aspects of EU’s external relations include:
- the “enlargement policy,” through which new States join the European Union;
- relations with Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein – in the framework of the so-called “European Economic Area” – and with Switzerland. These are countries which, despite not being EU members, enjoy a “privileged relationship” with the EU, including a high level of alignment with EU standards and access to the EU internal market;
- relations with the United Kingdom;
- the “Neighbourhood Policy” in its “Southern” dimension (Algeria, Palestinian Authority, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, and Tunisia), with particular reference to the “Pact for the Mediterranean,” and its “Eastern” dimension (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine);
- the “EU trade policy,” which regulates economic relations with third countries through trade agreements, defence instruments against unfair practices, and initiatives to facilitate mutual access to foreign markets. Italy proactively contributes to defining EU trade policy and to concluding agreements and partnerships with third countries.