Presidents Mattarella and Van der Bellen mark Paris Agreement anniversary in Merano

Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen gathered in Merano to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Agreement. The event, held in conjunction with the 2026 Day of Autonomy, featured an official ceremony at the Kurhaus Kursaal.

During the proceedings, President Mattarella remarked that autonomy has accompanied the development of Italian democracy over recent decades and emphasized the importance of borders acting as points of encounter rather than division. The ceremony included musical performances and addresses from regional leaders, including South Tyrol Governor Arno Kompatscher.