Italy’s Foreign Policy in the New Millennium

On September 22, the Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings hosted Franco Frattini, Italy’s minister of foreign affairs, for an address on the new course of the Italy’s foreign policy. In his remarks, Minister Frattini examined Italy’s role as a geographic, political and economic bridge within Europe and beyond. He also discussed Italy’s forthcoming G8 presidency in 2009, its views on recent events in the Caucasus and its role in trying to find a peaceful and sustainable solution to this crisis.

Franco Frattini was appointed Italy’s minister of foreign affairs on May 8, 2008, following four years of service in the European Commission as vice president and commissioner for justice, freedom and security. He previously has held a number of positions in several Italian governments, including foreign minister (2002-2004), minister for civil service and for coordination of intelligence and security services (2000-2002), Rome City counselor (1997-2000), member of parliament (1996-2004), and secretary-general of the prime minister’s office (1994-95) under Prime Minister Berlusconi.

Senior Fellow Daniel Benjamin, director of the Center on the United States and Europe, introduced Minister Frattini and Brookings Visiting Fellow Federiga Bindi moderated the discussion. After the program, Minister Frattini took audience questions.