1. On the occasion of the 36th Franco-Italian Summit held on June 25th, 2026, we celebrate the friendship, deep-rooted in history and geography, that binds France and Italy, reflected in the Treaty for a Strengthened Bilateral Cooperation, known as the “Quirinal Treaty”, signed on November 26th, 2021.
2. The Quirinal Treaty constitutes a cornerstone of our relationship and a key instrument for strengthening our cooperation for the benefit of our countries, our peoples as well as the future and prosperity of the EU and the European continent.
3. Faced with numerous challenges, we reaffirm our common will to deliver on a more united, sovereign, democratic, resilient and competitive Europe. We will deepen, to this end, our ever-close bilateral cooperation, especially in the political, economic, agricultural, social, educational, scientific and cultural spheres, as well as in industrial and innovative sectors that are strategic for the future of our nations and of the European Union.
4. We reaffirm our common will to strengthen the ties between France and Italy, particularly with regard to future generations, and to exploit further all the opportunities offered by the Quirinal Treaty.
Geopolitical agenda
5. In a challenging geopolitical environment characterized by the return of war on the European continent, driven by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, by multiple crises in our neighbourhood and a rise in hybrid threats, we reaffirm our commitment to the rules-based international order and our will to further deepen Franco-Italian cooperation on foreign, security and defence policy across all fields. This cooperation will be strengthened at bilateral, European and multilateral levels, in all relevant frameworks such as the United Nations, NATO, the G7/G20, the European Political Community or the E5 format.
6. We reiterate our support to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. In coordination with like-minded partners and allies, we will continue to provide comprehensive political, financial, economic, humanitarian, diplomatic and military support to Ukraine and its people, including by backing its recovery and reconstruction.
7. Russia’s current imperialist posture poses a direct threat to the whole European continent, as its aggression against Ukraine has deeply undermined the security and stability of our entire region. For this reason, Europe has a key role to play in a future settlement and to defend its security interests. While Ukraine has consistently demonstrated its full readiness to enter into meaningful negotiations, Russia must show the same commitment. To this aim, and to compel Moscow to the negotiating table, we are determined to exert utmost pressure on Russia by adopting additional sanctions packages, fully implementing those already adopted and fighting against any circumvention. We are committed to targeting Russia’s energy revenues and constraining its financial sector, including its banking system or the use of cryptoassets. We will strengthen our operational cooperation in the fight against its shadow fleet. A just and long-lasting peace based on fundamental rules of international law is the only acceptable way out from the ongoing war.
8. The Mediterranean stability, security and development remains our shared strategic priority. In this context, we support the Pact for the Mediterranean focusing on strengthening relations between the EU and its Southern Mediterranean partners through a practical framework of cooperation based on mutual trust, joint responsibility and shared ownership. By promoting connectivity, resilience and inclusive growth, we will support the Pact, both in scaling up our bilateral cooperation and through joint action at EU level, to address common challenges while contributing to long-term stability and shared prosperity across the Mediterranean region.
9. Alongside the pursuit of security and stability, Italy and France advocate for an inclusive approach that combines the prevention, containment and resolution of crises and conflicts with the promotion of an ambitious positive agenda. We support economic development as an essential instrument for promoting peace and stability across the region, with particular attention to youth employment, vocational training, sustainable water resource management, food security and the energy transition, while strengthening coordination with Mediterranean partner countries, international financial institutions and the private sector. These efforts build upon established Euro-Mediterranean partnership frameworks and the European Union’s engagement with its Southern Neighbourhood as key pillars of regional prosperity and stability.
10. With regard to the situation in the Middle-East, we emphasise the importance of mitigating the impact of the conflict on regional partners, civilian populations and critical infrastructure, and the need to coordinate humanitarian aid efforts. We recall that diplomacy is the only way to reduce tension, and to bring about a lasting solution to end hostilities. We welcome the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran and we will work with our European and regional partners to support a long-term diplomatic settlement ensuring that Iran will never acquire a nuclear weapon. We are committed to playing our part in permanently restoring free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Any arrangement governing navigation in the Strait should be in accordance with the law of the sea, and be adopted in line with relevant procedures at the IMO.
We remain united in our commitment to the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, which we firmly believe is the only way to enable Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace, security and dignity, within secure and recognised borders and to ensure peace and security for all in the region. We will jointly keep supporting the efforts of the Lebanese authorities to restore full sovereignty over their territory, notably through the monopoly on the use of force and arms. To this end, we will support the establishment of a CSDP mission to Lebanon this fall 2026, which will work with all the relevant actors, such as the MTC4L, and will be consistent with bilateral initiatives in the country. We strongly support UNIFIL and underline its essential role in consolidating progress following the ceasefire. We will collaborate together on post-UNIFIL reflections co-leading an international coalition to support Lebanon in a post-UNIFIL context.
11. We reaffirm our commitment to a partnership of equals with Africa, responsive to the priorities of African partners and in line with European interests, and recognise the commitments of Italy’s “Piano Mattei” as reaffirmed at the second Italy-Africa Summit in Addis Ababa, and France’s engagement on the Continent as recently outlined at the “Africa Forward” Summit in Nairobi, with a view to fostering coordinated and mutually reinforcing initiatives across the continent.
In this framework, Italy and France will cooperate in the implementation of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, working together in ensuring a clear and efficient Member States’ led governance within the future Global Europe instrument and promoting joint initiatives in a Team Europe approach. Italy and France will continue to deepen their coordination on peace and stability on the African continent, in support of African-led solutions within our partnership with the African Union, especially as regards CSDP operations and missions.
12. Official Development Assistance remains a fundamental tool for addressing crucial challenges and supporting sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth across the Continent. Italy and France intend to intensify their cooperation in Africa in key sectors of mutual interest, including energy, digital, sustainable agriculture and food security, health, vocational training and the creation of opportunities for young people, also through common European cooperation frameworks. The Parties also reaffirm their common determination to maintain their engagement and support for countries affected by severe humanitarian crises, including Sudan, working together with African partners and the international community to promote stability, resilience and long-term development.
EU Agenda
Competitiveness
13. Building on the Letta and Draghi reports, we will work together to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of our economies, while ensuring our economic security both at national and EU level through effective protection of our critical assets, companies and infrastructure, de-risking in critical and strategic sectors, deterrence in particular towards any form of coercion, and reinforced cooperation with trusted partners. We will support the simplification and adaptation of the EU State aid framework to facilitate investments in strategic sectors, while preserving the integrity of the Single Market and ensuring a level playing field among Member States.
We are committed to deepening and expanding our already strong economic, trade and investment bilateral ties, such as the joint program of BpiFrance and Invitalia and the MoU between BpiFrance and CDP. Together with other EU partners, we are committed to advancing Single Market priorities, including the Savings and Investments Union, notably through the swift conclusion in 2026 of Securitization and the Market Integration and Supervision Package, building on the agreed E6 Finance terms. We will also work closely together to strengthen the competitiveness of the European banking sector, ensuring that the upcoming European agenda address in a coherent manner the level playing field, simplification of the prudential framework and further integration of the EU banking market.
14. Following the signing of a Shared Agenda for Industry and Competitiveness in Europe on March 3rd 2026 and the Shared European Digital Agenda on May 5th 2026, France and Italy will uphold their joint commitment, especially with regards to the Automotive industry, Energy intensive industries, Critical Raw Materials, Semiconductors and Net zero industrial sectors. A swift negotiation of the Industrial Accelerator Act will support the EU production of goods in strategic industrial sectors in the EU, to be applied in all relevant legislations, public procurement, auctions as well as in EU and national public support schemes.
15. More specifically regarding the Automotive industry, we will cooperate to ensure that regulations empower the industry to fulfil Europe’s ambition of becoming a leader in decarbonised mobility while safeguarding industrial jobs in Europe, taking into account technological neutrality and European content. We support proposals aiming at incentivize investments contributing to consolidate a robust industrial base for the vehicles of the future within the EU
16. With regards to civil aviation, we acknowledge the interconnexion of our industrial bases and value chains and successful cooperation such as in regional aviation industry. We reaffirm our commitment to support the sector's transition towards decarbonization, including through SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), and to ensure the global leadership of the European industry in this transition.
17. France and Italy will develop their joint efforts to address the challenge of small parcels and ultra-fast fashion, in line with the December 2025 joint letter to the Commission.
18. France and Italy will advance a joint European approach to safeguard and strengthen the competitiveness of the fashion and luxury value chains, recognised as strategic assets for Europe’s cultural identity, industrial excellence and global projection. In this respect, we fully support the upgrade in the cooperation between our haute couture and fashion federations.
Energy
19. The energy crisis spurred by the situation in the Middle East also highlights the need for the EU to accelerate its decarbonation, also through diversification of energy supply and sources and based on the principle of technological neutrality, to reduce, as quickly as possible, our dependencies to fossil fuels and build a genuine strategic autonomy in the energy sector in particular by mobilizing all decarbonized energy sources, nuclear and renewables while prioritizing the development of strong European value chains. We share the aim of strengthening our efforts in the field of grids and interconnections, in order to enhance the resilience of our energy systems.
20. We welcome our long-standing and close collaboration in civil nuclear energy, including within the framework of the European Nuclear Alliance and in the joint coordination of the Important project of common European interest (IPCEI) on Innovative Nuclear Technologies, and we are determined to further strengthen our dialogue, including at the research and industry level and within the EU, enabling new joint work on long term common projects. We also welcome the growing industrial cooperation on Small Modular Reactors, which reflects the depth of our industrial and technological ecosystem. We encourage further joint efforts on European solutions for SMRs and advanced nuclear technologies, including through the involvement of the wider Italian and French industrial supply chains and through cooperation with companies active in fourth-generation reactors, with a view to supporting European technological and industrial sovereignty.
21. Our joint efforts will also aim at achieving an effective revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to reduce the volatility of the carbon price and mitigate its impact on electricity prices, while preserving the essential role of the ETS in the climate and energy transition through a market-based price signal for carbon emissions that drives investment and innovation.
EU Enlargement
22. We are committed to further strengthening our cooperation on EU enlargement and reforms, to promote and consolidate peace, stability, prosperity and security on the European continent. We will continue to pursue a merit approach accession process and equal treatment for the Western Balkans, Moldova and Ukraine.
Migration
23. With regard to migration, we will cooperate closely on key EU legislation, in particular to ensure the effective implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and the new return regulation. We will strengthen our bilateral and European cooperation in the fight against irregular migration and migrant smuggling networks, in line with the Action Plan adopted by the G7 Ministries of Interior in 2024. We will continue to develop the external dimension of EU migration policy and comprehensive partnerships with third countries of origin and transit, strengthening operational coordination, information exchange and actions, inter alia in North Africa and in the Sahel region. Our joint effort will focus in particular on better preventing irregular migration flows through the Central Mediterranean route and the Channel route. We recognize the importance of assisted voluntary returns from transit countries to countries of origin of migratory flows.
Defence
24. We will further invest in defence capability development, contributing to European defence readiness in a way that helps build a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO. We strongly support the development of a robust European defence technological and industrial base. We will, in this regard, work to implement the priority capability areas already identified by the European Council, building on the European Defence Fund and the European defence industry programme (EDIP), which strengthens European industries. We emphasize the importance of designing, in particular within the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), and implementing the EU instruments contributing to reducing our strategic dependencies and reinforcing our sovereignty on technologies, based on the agreed European preference criteria which also allow for cooperation with our partners. We acknowledge that a stronger and more capable European Union in the field of security and defence, in full complementarity with NATO’s commitments and achievements, will contribute positively to global and transatlantic security. We commend the ongoing work on common procurement. We also welcome the work conducted within the ELSA initiative, that paves the way for short to long-term cooperation for the European defence industrial and technological base to develop, produce and deliver.
25. We reaffirm our commitment to developing joint capability projects in the defence sector, in particular within the EDIP’s European defence projects of common interest (EDPCI), that shall contribute to EU strategic autonomy, in domains such as, inter alia, space, maritime, integrated air missile defence, robotic combat units for land operations, and with a wide focus that enhances European defence from a 360-degree perspective. We share the goal of building a competitive European defence and technology industrial base, including by building on the ongoing bilateral projects on air defence, such as SAMP/T NG and the further future interceptor against hypersonic threats. The conclusion of a new bilateral roadmap in the field of defence (2026-2031) and the establishment of a bilateral industrial strategic committee will further strengthen our dialogue on these issues.
Space
26. We will enhance our close cooperation in the space domain, building on corporate initiatives in favour of innovation, European sovereignty and global competitiveness, such as the Bromo project, the progress of which we welcome and support. We will strengthen our ties in the areas of access to space by supporting the ramp-up of Ariane 6 and VEGA C, in line with the growing European strategic demand and leveraging the mutual support of our respective industries for critical supplies. We will also reinforce our cooperation in exploration, Earth observation, satellite telecommunications and Space Situational Awareness (SSA) with a specific focus on promoting the opportunities for further cooperation on space for defence. Recognizing space as an essential source of knowledge and understanding, as well as an element of sovereignty and independence, we will continue to promote space science and exploration.
27. With the aim to strengthen the dialogue and coordination between the relevant national administrations and agencies of the two countries in charge of space dossiers, regular bilateral space consultations at the appropriate technical level will be held to promote coordination on issues of mutual interest, such as industrial policy and economic cooperation, European programs, international cooperation, multilateral forums, defence, and security. We will closely coordinate in the run-up to the International Space Summit that will be held in France on 9-10 September 2026, to promote Europe as a strong space power, thanks to a shared political vision, substantial investments at European and national levels and a solid and recognized competitive, capable and sovereign space industry.
28. We will coordinate our positions on EU and European Space Agency (ESA) programmes and budget definition, including as regards to the implementation of EU preference, European space governance and procurement, Space regulatory framework and the satellite frequencies management. We recall the importance of multilateral efforts to advance international space governance and the central role in this regard of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, that Italy chairs in 2026-2027, as the main relevant global forum.
29. We share the strategic objective of developing a European resilient and robust infrastructure for secure connectivity in Low Earth Orbit, in particular for sovereign governmental use cases. We will coordinate towards the effective and timely deployment of Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (IRIS²), identified as a critical and necessary backbone for the development of a European sovereign capability. We will promote a proper involvement of both countries’ industrial landscapes, including in the upstream and downstream of the system, and coordinate to discuss our positions including on the issue of spectrum capacity, ensuring IRIS2 will prove to benefit all Member States and constitute a major new pillar of European strategic autonomy. Furthermore, in the upcoming discussions on the MSS 2GHz band selection process, we share the objective of preserving European sovereign interests in a scarce and strategic frequency band, supporting a possible provision for the assignation of a sufficient amount of spectrum to dedicated Governmental users including IRIS².
Multiannual Financial Framework
30. France and Italy will intensify their cooperation as negotiations now proceed on the MFF, so as to frame and further progress on the necessary conditions needed to reach a comprehensive and balanced agreement. This implies joint work on all parameters: preserving our key traditional EU common policies while investing in innovation and strategic sectors for European industrial and technological sovereignty; making sure that the modernisation of the EU budget is for everyone - thus abolishing all rebates; moving forward and delivering on new own resources, building on the Commission’s proposals and examining complementary resources such as a digital contribution, so as to better calibrate the overall level of expenditure to match our ambitions as well as stabilise our national contributions to the EU budget.
31. In parallel negotiations on MFF related regulations, we will work together to ensure, inter alia, a strong Member States’ led governance in EU instruments, a clear and targeted European preference in the allocation of EU funds dedicated to strengthening the Union’s strategic autonomy, economic security, and resilience, as well as a maximized leverage effect of EU funds to trigger public and private investments.
Agriculture
32. We face common challenges regarding food security and sovereignty as well as the future of European agriculture. We will defend balanced and sustainable trade agreements, with reciprocal benefits, which take into account the cumulative impacts of concessions for our agricultural sectors, as well as support mirror measures in EU legislation to better protect the environment and the health of EU consumers, so as to effectively contribute to reduce EU’s dependencies. We will also continue to work to implement a decarbonized, competitive and sovereign chain of value for fertilizers to strengthen a secure and affordable access for our farmers at all time. We welcome the bilateral dialogue established in this area, particularly with a view to promoting protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications as well as strengthening institutional cooperation in the field of agricultural research, education and vocational training, based in particular on our bilateral agreements.
We reiterate our shared commitment to the preservation of a robust common agricultural policy (CAP) and common fisheries policy (CFP), with sufficient resources in the next MFF to meet future challenges, to preserve the incomes of European farmers and fishermen and to ensure the renewal of generations.
Research
33. We welcome the organisation of the first Forum for science and innovation held in Paris in 2025, demonstrating the strength of our scientific ties and collaborations. We will support the development of structured dialogues between our scientific communities, focusing on shared bilateral priorities such as quantum technologies and high-performance computing.
34. We recognize that Large Research Infrastructures represent a crucial opportunity to advance scientific progress as well as an investment in the long-term prosperity of our peoples. We express appreciation for the continued cooperation between our two countries, especially with regard to gravitational waves as embodied in the EGO-VIRGO project, including the ongoing work within the Einstein Telescope BGR.
35. Italy and France recognize the strategic importance of polar research in addressing global challenges, with the Polar regions serving as essential natural laboratories for understanding climate change and its worldwide impacts. In this spirit, the One Planet – Polar Summit, hosted by France in Paris in November 2023, and the Arctic Circle Forum – Polar Dialogue, hosted by Italy in Rome in March 2026, stand as two key moments through which both countries reaffirmed the importance of science, international cooperation, and dialogue among researchers, policymakers and stakeholders.
Digital
36. France and Italy are strongly committed to developing a shared European digital agenda in order to boost competitiveness, simplify regulation, deepen the single market while preserving human rights and essential national competences, and fostering investment and innovation, strengthen the start-up ecosystems also by means of bilateral collaboration tools and achieve strategic autonomy. This shared strategy covers, in particular, issues relating to artificial intelligence, where France and Italy actively support the European Initiative for frontier AI, as well as launching an IPCEI on AI. Our shared commitment also extends to increasing European capacities in high-performance computing, telecommunications, quantum technologies as well as secure and resilient value chains in key and strategic technological sectors for the future of the EU.
37. In line with the approach presented in the Franco-Italian Shared Agenda for Industry and Competitiveness in Europe and the Shared European Digital Agenda, the discussion around European preference in the digital sector should be proportionate, gradual and evidence-based and as a lever to support Europe’s still emerging digital ecosystem, to strengthen industrial technology value chains and to foster the development of technologies and services providing value in Europe.
38. The question of where data is stored, processed and governed has become, as well, a matter of strategic importance for Europe's sovereignty and resilience. France and Italy will work at the European level to ensure the highest level of protection for the most sensitive data against all risks, including those stemming from the application of non-EU extraterritorial laws. With this shared ambition, France and Italy encourage the EU to advance resolutely, through the ongoing revision of the Cybersecurity Act and the proposed Cloud and AI Development Act, to establish a credible mechanism capable of addressing all these technological-related risks and challenges. France and Italy will also keep supporting the development of digital commons through the Digital Commons-EDIC (European digital infrastructure consortium).
39. With a view to deepen cooperation on digital and cyber topics, France and Italy will establish a bilateral dialogue on these matters, which will contribute to promote a coordinated “Team Europe” approach.
We also share the priority to make the internet and social media a safe place and to protect our children and teenagers from digital risks. As significant regulatory steps have been taken within the EU, especially the EU Guidelines on protection of minors online published in 2025, consistent and effective enforcement of the Digital Services Act must remain a priority as regards this matter. France and Italy advocate for an ambitious, comprehensive and safety-by-design approach to safeguarding minors online as part of the forthcoming EU digital agenda, including through a digital age of majority for accessing social media, respecting national competences. We will work to ensure a safe, secure and age-appropriate experiences including through effective and innovative age assurance mechanisms while preserving the privacy of users according to respective jurisdictions, national circumstances and applicable legal frameworks.
Tackling the triple planetary crisis
40. We reaffirm our commitment to tackling together the unprecedented challenges posed by the triple planetary crisis (climate, biodiversity, pollutions) at the bilateral, European and multilateral levels. We will continue to promote the implementation of the Paris Agreement and will work together on supporting related international cooperation initiatives, including those launched by the G7, on mitigation and by strengthening our cooperation on climate adaptation and resilience, supporting efforts to translate adaptation planning into concrete implementation, enhance investment readiness and promote partnerships that help vulnerable countries build resilience and address the growing impacts of climate change.
41. We are renewing our collaboration to support the integration of local, regional, national, European and international adaptation policies and the implementation of the European Water Resilience Strategy, strengthening collaboration within the G7 Water Coalition. Our action will also cover the definition of ambitious common positions on combating plastic pollution, in particular through an effective international legally-binding instrument addressing the life-cycle of plastics and we also continue to promote sustainable management of chemicals and waste, in line with multilateral commitments, to reduce negative impacts on the environment and human health. The promotion of conservation policies will also be pursued within the framework of the Alpine Convention and the European Strategy for the Alpine Region, particularly with regard to glaciers.
42. Following the UNOC3 organised in Nice in June 2025, we will ensure a close coordination on the implementation of the European Ocean Pact adopted by the European Commission, including with respect to the proposed Ocean Act. Italy and France also support the formal adoption of robust measures for decarbonation within the framework of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), in line with the IMO’s 2023 Strategy on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships, not least to ensure a “level playing field” at global level and avoid distortions that could affect the competitiveness of the European economy.
43. We welcome the signing of a Franco-Italian declaration on the seas and the Ocean, which reaffirms our joint commitment to intensify our cooperation, particularly with regard to the Mediterranean and in the framework of the Barcelona Convention, in protecting the marine environment, supporting the development of the blue economy and the resilience of coastal and island communities, and promoting innovation and research.
44. As signatory countries to the Brest Declaration of February 2022, Italy and France recognise and value the work carried out during the meetings aimed at establishing the Mercator International Centre for the Ocean and are closely monitoring the latest developments.
45. Natural and man-made disasters have increased substantially in frequency and severity as a result of climate change. This calls for a strengthening of the effectiveness of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) in support of Member States, which retain primary responsibility for managing such crises, as recalled by the European Council in its conclusions of June 2025.
Tackling international threats
46. We will scale up and reinforce our bilateral, European and multilateral cooperation to fight organised and international crime, in particular drug trafficking. In this regard, we have launched jointly a European Coalition against Drugs (ECAD) at the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Copenhagen on October 2nd, 2025. We will implement the roadmap adopted at the second meeting of the ECAD at the last EPC summit in Yerevan, on May 4th, especially as regards tackling maritime and port trafficking, combatting illicit financial flows, money laundering, corruption, as well as the emerging threats of synthetic drugs, in particular in the Western Balkans and adopting a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, treatment and recovery. In this framework, Italy and France will jointly host an international conference in San Patrignano, the leading recovery community in Italy, on October 23rd, 2026. We will also support delivering on a new EU sanctions regime targeting organised crime, not prejudicial to law enforcement and judicial procedures and cooperation.
47. We will strengthen our cooperation to tackle the threat posed by the interference and manipulation of information by foreign actors, in order to bolster our democratic resilience and improve our joint response capacity, notably through the European Democracy Shield and the set-up of a European Centre for Democratic Resilience, also supporting the full implementation of the Digital Services Act, and endorsing the Information Manipulation Set defined by the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism.
Cross-border issues
48. Reaffirming the importance of strengthening our people-to-people relations, we commend the outcome of the third meeting of the Cross-Border Cooperation Committee established by the Quirinal Treaty, which took place on June 4th in Aosta, with the aim to reinforcing the cooperation between our bordering authorities for the benefit of their local communities. We also welcome the signing of a memorandum for the establishment of a joint Franco-Italian brigade.
49. In this context, we reaffirm our shared commitment for the completion of the high-speed rail link between Lyon and Torino in terms of funding and to ensure access to it. We welcome the signing, today, of a declaration of intent on the development of the Marseille – Nice – Genoa railway line, and support the launch of the tender for the re-boring works on the historic Tende tunnel. We recall other important achievements, such as the reopening of the Tende Tunnel, the opening of the second tube of the Fréjus Tunnel as well as the entry into force, on July 1st, of the convention on the operation of the exploitation of the Cuneo–Breil–Ventimiglia rail link located on French territory and the announcement of the works scheduled on the line. We welcome the launch of the tender for the resumption of the Alpine Rail Highway.
50. We will continue our joint efforts to ensure the coordinated management of all rail and road links between our two countries, including through the launch of a joint study on the resilience and decarbonation of cross-border infrastructures in the Alpine region, taking into account the specific interests of our territories and local authorities, as well as the overarching need of interconnection of our economies.
Education, Human and Cultural ties
51. France and Italy reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in higher education, research and academic mobility, as a strategic contribution to the construction of a more integrated, innovative and internationally open European Higher Education Area. We will continue to work closely together on the implementation of the European Degree Label and on the broader pathway towards a possible European Degree, supporting ambitious and inclusive forms of transnational cooperation between higher education institutions. We also underline the key role played by the European Universities Alliances as laboratories for the future of European higher education, fostering joint programmes, multilingualism, innovation and shared academic governance. Particular attention will be devoted to strengthening cooperation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines, including emerging technologies and strategic sectors for Europe’s competitiveness. In this framework, we welcome the strengthening of bilateral cooperation through the Italian-French University (UIF/UFI), the growing number of double and joint degrees between our institutions, and the development of common multilateral initiatives aimed at enhancing academic attractiveness and openness towards third countries, particularly in the Mediterranean and Africa, in line with the international dimension of the European Higher Education Area.
52. Youth is a key focus of our bilateral cooperation. Sharing the aim of helping young people from both countries to get to know one another better and to discover more about France and Italy, we are thrilled to announce the launch of a new “Young Leaders programme” between France and Italy, as well as the establishment of a Cross-border Committee on Youth Mobility, which will enable young people to meet and play a full part in strengthening Franco-Italian friendship.
53. We welcome the strengthening of already close ties between our two countries in the field of education and vocational training, with the signing of a specific declarations of intent, aimed at facilitating youth transition from education to work, by sharing knowledge of successful initiatives and developing partnerships between institutions of the two technical and vocational training systems at secondary and tertiary level. In the same spirit, we are committed to modernising our public administrations and to renewing and rejuvenating the public sector workforce, allowing our administrations to share best practices on intergenerational management, careers and skills development, strategic workforce planning and the use of artificial intelligence in the public sector, and we look forward to building on its outcomes to deepen our cooperation in this field.
54. We welcome the high level of uptake and learning of Italian and French, achieved through numerous initiatives to promote and develop the teaching of our languages, and the strengthening of schemes such as the ESABAC.
55. As France and Italy welcome the return of the Olympics and Paralympics Games in Europe, with three editions in only six years, we will strengthen our cooperation and exchange of experience in the field of sports, youth volunteering and organization of major international sporting events.
56. We stress that our cultural partnerships play a key role in our joint effort to build a stronger European Union. In this view, we welcome the signing of several memoranda strengthening bilateral cooperation for the protection and enhancement of our shared cultural heritage and supporting collaboration between our cultural and creative industries. The extension of the scope of the “Nouveau Grand Tour” artist-in-residence programme to craft disciplines will further foster mutual knowledge between our artists and creators. Italy and France are pioneers in film and audiovisual co-production and co-distribution: our relevant authorities will broaden the scope of their collaboration to support our artists and our industries and further promote cultural diversity. The audiovisual cooperation programme will promote our two countries’ joint expertise, through a bilateral committee, to champion ambitious European policy measures. We will work together to protect, enhance and promote our vast common cultural heritage. We agreed to strengthen synergies between our national libraries as well as our entities in charge of preserving heritage.
57. We look forward to celebrating the 2027 European Year of the Normans, timed with the millennium of William the Conqueror, to highlight the profound historical connections between our two countries and specifically between Normandy and Southern Italy.
