Antonio Tajani emphasizes role of Italian Cultural Institutes in global representation

Vice‑premier and foreign minister Antonio Tajani told the directors of the Italian Institutes of Culture (IIC) that the network is "fundamental for representing Italy in the world". Speaking at the conference of IIC directors, Tajani said culture is more than books or visual arts – it includes language, cuisine, music and local traditions that form Italy’s identity. He urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to increase official visits to the institutes and announced joint initiatives with the Ministry of Tourism to promote Italian culture abroad, citing the recent "Day of the Italian language and culture" and plans to extend the Sanremo Festival model to cultural events overseas. Tajani stressed that strengthening Italy’s cultural presence is an economic opportunity, positioning the country as a "cultural super‑power" rather than a military one.