At the Farnesina today, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, addressed an international event presenting the programme "Matera Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2026", organised within the framework of the Union for the Mediterranean and in cooperation with the Anna Lindh Foundation.

"The Mediterranean is a strategic priority for Italy. We seek a sea that unites, in peace, Europe, Africa and Asia, reaching beyond the Gulf to India. The recognition awarded to Matera, already European Capital of Culture in 2019, will contribute, in the delicate historical phase we are currently facing, to the pursuit of stability in a basin that is fundamental for trade, energy supplies, migration management and the connectivity of three continents," the Minister stated, recalling that more than 10% of global maritime trade passes through the Mediterranean.

In 2024, the 43 Member States of the Union for the Mediterranean and of the Euro-Mediterranean Foundation Anna Lindh for Dialogue between Cultures officially designated Matera "Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2026", together with Tétouan, Morocco. This recognition confirms Italy's central role and rewards wide-ranging cultural programmes that will foster direct dialogue among local communities across the Mediterranean region throughout the year.

The event also featured remarks by the President of the Basilicata Region, Vito Bardi, the Mayor of Matera, Antonio Nicoletti and the Director-General of the Matera-Basilicata 2019 Foundation, Rita Orlando.