Comites (Committees of Italians Abroad) are Italian organisations that represent and protect the interests of the Italian community abroad.
Comites were established in 1985 with the aim of representing Italians living abroad vis-à-vis local authorities and Italian governments. The members of the Comites are elected by Italian citizens living abroad and have the task of representing the Italian community, promoting Italian culture and providing assistance and support to compatriots living abroad.
The Comites play an important role in protecting the rights of Italians abroad, in particular as regards the protection of civil rights, support for Italian businesses abroad and assistance for compatriots in difficulty.
Comites also work to promote Italian culture abroad, organising cultural events and collaborating with local communities to spread knowledge of Italy and its culture.
In addition, Comites can provide assistance and support to Italian citizens in emergency situations, such as natural disasters, accidents or legal problems.
Comites are organised on a territorial basis and operate worldwide, in cooperation with Italian embassies and consulates. Their activities and initiatives are financed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by the voluntary contribution of Italian citizens living abroad.
In short, Comites are Italian organisations that represent and protect the interests of the Italian community abroad, promoting Italian culture, providing assistance to fellow countrymen, and working with local authorities and Italian governments to protect the rights of Italians abroad.
I am very proud to be an elected Member of Comites since 2021. As a member of Comites, I am an integral part of the Italian community abroad and can actively contribute to the promotion of Italian culture and the protection of the rights of Italian citizens abroad.