Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has unveiled a sweeping reform that will reshape Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs starting January 1, 2026. The goal is to strengthen the ministry as a global engine for economic growth alongside its traditional diplomatic role.
The new structure creates a dual-mission “two-headed” Foreign Ministry: one branch dedicated to political and security matters, and another focused on economic diplomacy and export promotion. A newly established Directorate for Growth and Export Promotion will help Italian companies expand abroad and support Italy’s target of reaching €700 billion in exports by 2027.
Embassies and consulates will take on a more active role as economic hubs, assisting businesses in strategic sectors including machinery, fashion, food and wine, and pharmaceuticals, especially in high-growth markets. The reform also establishes a new cybersecurity directorate to address emerging threats that could undermine Italy’s diplomatic or economic interests.