The Executive Program of Cooperation between Croatia and Italy

The Ministers of Culture for Croatia and Italy signed the Executive Program of Cooperation in the Field of Culture and Education between the Republic of Croatia and the Government of the Italian Republic for 2022-2026.

Minister of Culture and Media Nina Obuljen Koržinek and Italian Minister Dario Franceschini held a bilateral meeting at the Ca’ Giustinian Palace in Venice ahead of this year’s Venice Biennale awards ceremony.

The Program will encourage the development of cooperation and exchange in culture, art, cultural heritage, literature, publishing, archives, cinematography, and media, contributing to a better understanding of national cultures and mutual rapprochement between the two countries.

Minister Obuljen Koržinek and Minister Franceschini discussed common topics in European policies, special projects in the field of cultural heritage protection and especially assistance in the restoration of damaged monuments in Ukraine. 

After the earthquake in Croatia, which damaged many residential buildings and buildings that house cultural institutions and churches, Italian and Croatian experts have established cooperation in working on the rapid and effective protection of cultural property.

Minister Franceschini proposed the establishment of a joint European protection service – the European Union’s Blue Helmets, which would include conservation experts, restorers, experts in fire, earthquake and other protection, and the evacuation of movable heritage.