AICS took part in the European dialogue on the future programming of international cooperation, as part of the consultations promoted by the European Commission to support the preparation of regional and global assessments for the period beyond 2027.
The participation of AICS Director Marco Riccardo Rusconi, with the support of AICS colleagues serving at the Permanent Representation of Italy to the European Union, confirmed the Agency’s role as a technical and operational partner of Italian Development Cooperation in its engagement with European institutions.
The consultations addressed the main political, economic and social trends across different geographical areas and at global level, together with the related challenges and opportunities. At regional and multi-country level, the dialogue covered all geographical areas included in the proposal for the new Global Europe instrument.
AICS brought to the European table its experience gained through an increasingly wide-ranging operational presence, supported by a network of 21 country offices, as part of Italy’s broader commitment to development cooperation.
According to preliminary OECD data, in 2025 Italy allocated USD 7.3 billion to Official Development Assistance (ODA), equivalent to 0.3% of gross national income, representing an increase in real terms compared to the previous year.
The consultations constituted a preparatory and listening phase and were not intended to define future operational priorities or discuss financial resources, which will be addressed during the subsequent programming phase. AICS’s contribution enabled the Agency to bring to the European process its first-hand knowledge of the contexts, regional dynamics and needs emerging on a daily basis in the countries where Italian Development Cooperation is present.
