On 8 November the semester of the Council of Europe’s Italian Presidency was the theme of the debate at Gran Caffè Florian, St. Mark Square. Organized by the Italian Representation of the Council of Europe and the City of Venice, this format is part of the Europe Day autumn session 2021 celebrations entitled “Thinking European since 1600 years”.

Deputy Mayor of the City of Venice Andrea Tomaello spoke about his experience at the international level, explaining the importance for a country to chair a six-month presidency. Luisella Pavan-Woolfe, Director of the Italian Representation of the Council of Europe, presented the six-month presidency priorities, such as women and children rights, artificial intelligence, cultural heritage. Finally, Roberta Alberotanza explored the cultural heritage theme, outlining the Council of Europe’s cultural itineraries programme.

The semester will start on 17 November 2021 and will end on 20 May 2022 with the meeting of the 47 Foreign Affairs Ministers of the Council of Europe member states.