Rome is preparing to host the first national meeting of the new EUROPE DIRECT 2026–2030 network on 23 and 24 February 2026. The meeting will be held at Europa Experience – Piazza Venezia, in the heart of the capital, and represents the official launch of the new generation of the network that acts as a direct link between the institutions of the European Union and Italian citizens. The initiative is jointly organized by Representation of the European Commission in Italy and by the 'European Parliament Office in Italy, two central institutional outposts in European communication on the national territory.
The meeting marks a phase of consolidation and strategic revitalization for the network, which is called upon to operate in a five-year period characterized by profound geopolitical, economic, and social transformations, in which the relationship between citizens and European institutions takes on an even more crucial role.
A widespread network: 46 centers in all Italian regions
In Italy, the EUROPE DIRECT network currently has 46 centers distributed throughout the country, with a presence in every region. This information and participatory infrastructure provides direct and qualified access to the European Union for citizens, schools, local authorities, associations, businesses, and the media.
The new 2026–2030 programming period introduces elements of continuity and innovation. Compared to the previous 2021–2025 programming period, ten new centers have been activated and the network of local antennas has been strengthened, with the aim of reaching rural and more remote areas. This expansion strengthens the proximity dimension and the role of European communication as a territorial oversight agency.
Over 400 centres in Europe: a key tool for democratic participation
At the European level, the EUROPE DIRECT network comprises over 400 centers across all Member States. It is one of the Union's main tools for promoting institutional information, public dialogue, and democratic participation.
The centers offer free, official, and verified information on European policies, priorities, and programs. They organize public events, debates, school meetings, thematic seminars, and awareness-raising initiatives. In a context marked by the spread of misinformation and the growing polarization of public debate, their role becomes essential to ensure transparency, reliable sources, and civic awareness.
To locate the EUROPE DIRECT centre nearest you, you can consult the official service "Find an EU centre near you in Italy" on the website of the European Commission Representation in Italy at the following link: https://italy.representation.ec.europa.eu/contatta-lunione-europea/contatta-lunione-europea-italia/trova-un-centro-ue-vicino-te-italia_it.
The strategic role of the network in a phase of global transformation
The new 2026–2030 generation takes place in a complex historical period, marked by international tensions, energy transition, climate challenges, digital transformations, and the redefinition of global economic balances. In this context, the EUROPE DIRECT network is called upon to strengthen its role as a link between Brussels and the regions, promoting a two-way flow of communication.
Not only disseminating European policies, but also gathering local concerns, listening to communities, and conveying the needs that emerge from the field to European institutions. A participatory governance model that aims to make the Union more accessible, understandable, and effective.
Institutional declarations: democracy, trust and proximity
Carlo Corazza, Director of theEuropean Parliament Office in Italy, emphasized how the new network takes on an even more strategic value at a time when European democracies and the Union's founding values are being put to the test. The goal is to concretely bring citizens closer to the EU's action, strengthening its protection function and, at the same time, making institutions more attentive to the real needs of local communities.
Claudio Casini, Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Italy, emphasized how the network represents an investment in the quality and stability of European democracy. Providing clear information and attentively listening to citizens' concerns, he reiterated, is an institutional responsibility that helps build trust and solid relationships with local communities.
Massimo Pronio, Head of Communications at the Representation, finally emphasized that the EUROPE DIRECT centers are not simple information desks, but true centers of democratic participation, capable of making Europe more accessible and understandable.
Institutional greetings and dialogue with European agencies
The meeting will be attended by Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri, Vice-President of the Lazio Region Roberta Angelilli, Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament Pina Picierno and Antonella Sberna, and Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Raffaele Fitto, who will deliver an inaugural message.
Over the course of the two days, the 46 managers of the Italian centres will dialogue with representatives of the European institutions present in Italy and with important agencies and bodies of the Union, including the Joint Research Centre of Ispra, the European Training Foundation of Turin, theEuropean Food Safety Authority of Parma and theEuropean University Institute of Fiesole, as well as several Directorates General of the Commission from Brussels, including DG CLIMATE and DG ENER.
An operational discussion aimed at coordinating strategies, tools, and communication priorities for the next five years, strengthening integration between the European and local levels.
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