Decoding the news: Italy has deep-rooted ties with Latin America. The region has a community of nearly 40 million people of Italian descent, €33.5 billion in foreign direct investment, and more than 3,000 Italian companies active there.
- Energy transition, sustainable growth, and the fight against organised crime are at the core of this relationship.
Happened in New York. During the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Italian PM Giorgia Meloni met Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
- Symbolic milestone: the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and Paraguay.
- What they said: Meloni thanked Peña for confirming his participation in the Aqaba Process (Rome, October 14–15) and pledged to strengthen cooperation against organised crime and drug trafficking.
More from NYC. Deputy FM Maria Tripodi stressed the economic, security and sustainability dimensions of EU–Latin America ties during the ministerial meeting in New York.
- “In times of uncertainty, we must strengthen our interconnections and diversify markets, to the benefit of both regions.”
- “We face common threats: organised crime, drug trafficking, and irregular migration. These challenges can only be addressed through closer cooperation, and Italy is ready to contribute with its experience.”
In Geneva. At the UN Human Rights Council, Italy condemned “arbitrary arrests and detentions of people not aligned with the government” in Nicaragua.
- Deputy Permanent Representative Stefano Pisotti voiced “deep concern” over UN findings, reaffirming Italy’s commitment to human rights in the region.
Rewind in Rome. Just days before departing for UNGA, Meloni received José Antonio Kast, the leader of the Chilean Republican Party and presidential frontrunner, at Palazzo Chigi.
- His visit highlights Fratelli d’Italia’s ambition to build transatlantic political ties.
- The geopolitical angle: FdI, through figures like Carlo Fidanza, is weaving links with Latin American conservatives to strengthen Europe’s presence in a region where China and Russia are expanding.
By the facts: In 2023, Italy imported mainly agricultural goods (48.9%) from Mercosur Region (Argentina, Brasile, Paraguay and Uruguay), while exporting machinery (31.8%), transport equipment (11.7%), chemicals (9.9%) and pharmaceuticals (8.9%).
- Regional crises: Venezuela and Nicaragua remain open dossiers where Italy’s dual approach — values and interests — will be tested.
- Energy transition: Partnerships on renewables with Brazil, Colombia and Central America remain a long-term driver of cooperation.
What we’re watching:
- Santa Marta, November: the EU–CELAC Summit will test the new level of cooperation.
- EU–Mercosur and EU–Mexico deals: on September 3, the European Commission submitted the proposals to the Council for signature and conclusion.
- For Italy, key gains are expected in the mechanical, steel and pharmaceutical sectors.
