Joint Statement by the Comites of London, the Comites of Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the Comites of Manchester
The annual meeting of the Intercomites United Kingdom was held remotely on July 24, 2024. The Intercomites is the coordinating body among the Committees of Italians Abroad (Comites) in the United Kingdom, aimed at information exchange and optimizing cooperation and resources to enhance support for the Italian community.
In attendance were the Consul General of Italy in London, Domenico Bellantone; the Consul of Italy in London, Rossella Gentile; the Consul General of Italy in Edinburgh, Veronica Ferrucci; the Counselor of the Embassy of Italy in London, Paolo Mari; the Administrative Assistant of the Embassy of Italy in London, Lucia Zoroddu; and the Italian MP Toni Ricciardi and Simone Billi. Representing the General Council of Italians Abroad (CGIE), Elena Remigi and Giovanni D'Angelo participated. Representing the Comites were the President of the Comites of London, Alessandro Gaglione; the President of the Comites of Manchester, Cesare Ardito; and the Vice President of the Comites of Scotland and Northern Ireland, Michela Calcagni.
During the meeting, the importance of information exchange and collaboration among the Comites was reiterated, considering that many of the topics discussed affect all Italians in the United Kingdom and sometimes all Italians abroad, not just those within the specific consular district. Past examples of successful collaboration among the Comites include webinars on the EU Settlement Scheme and the documentary on the Italian community by Complitaly, whose filming was recently completed.
For the future, there is a shared intention to organize further seminars or webinars on topics relevant to Italian citizens in the United Kingdom, such as the Italian digital identity (SPID), and new work, family, and study visas. Additionally, collaboration will continue to provide support and guidance regarding the EU Settlement Scheme.
In synergy with the Consulates, the Comites closely monitor the provision of consular services such as passports, identity cards, and AIRE registration, representing the voice of the Italians they serve to the institutions and making proposals to help improve services where possible. During the meeting, shared optimism was expressed regarding the bill proposed by Hon. Ricciardi, co-signed by all elected representatives abroad, currently under discussion in Parliament, which aims to allocate a portion of the revenue from passport issuance to consular offices. This would introduce a productivity incentive to facilitate investments to improve services and reduce waiting times.
The Intercomites thanks all participants for their availability, the fruitful exchange of information, and their ongoing collaboration.
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