Ambassador Nelli Feroci elected President of the Institute of International Affairs

The former Permanent Representative to the European Union was elected today by the Board of Directors; he succeeds Professor Stefano Silvestri, who held the position since 2001

Ferdinando Nelli Feroci, Permanent Representative to the European Union until last Sunday, was elected President of the Institute of International Affairs (IIA) this morning. Upon taking over the presidency, the ambassador said “I commit myself to ensuring the Institute continues to provide a qualified contribution to public debate on issues of security and foreign policy and in particular on European policies, also in light of my recent experience as the Italian Permanent Representative in Brussels.”

“I have frequented the IIA for many years – added Nelli Feroci – and consider it one of the most prestigious research centers in Italy and Europe in the field of International Relations. I will work to consolidate its already excellent reputation and develop its undertakings.”

The Institute of International Affairs (IIA), founded in 1965 on the initiative of Altiero Spinelli, is based in Rome and carries out research in the field of foreign policy, economics and international security. A non-profit entity, IIA aims to promote knowledge of issues in these fields through studies, conferences and publications. To this end, they collaborate with institutes, universities and foundations in other countries, participating in various international networks. The main areas of research are EU institutions and policies, Italian foreign policy, trends in global economics and the process of internationalization in Italy, the Mediterranean and the Middle East, common security and defense policy and transatlantic relations.

During his dipolmatic career from 1972 to 2013, Nelli Feroci was Italy’s Permanent Representative to the EU in Brussels (2008-2013), Chief of Staff (2006-08) and Director General for European Integration (2004-06) at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He is the author of numerous articles and essays in the field of international relations, European affairs and political science (see bio).

Professor Silvestri will continue to offer prestige and knowledge to the Institute, particularly in the field of strategic and security studies.