Italy’s global influence: three major international organisations

There is a form of Italy’s international influence that operates far from the political spotlight and concerns the presence of Italian managers and entrepreneurs at the helm of some of the leading European and global economic organisations. These are associations that represent millions of businesses, engage with governments, help shape the rules governing entire sectors and contribute to steering major economic transformations. It is a little-known world, but one that is important for understanding how a country can exert influence beyond the sheer weight of its businesses and institutional representatives.

The latest news comes from Frankfurt. Matteo Del Fante, chief executive of Poste Italiane, took up the chairmanship on 6 November of the International Post Corporation, the organisation that brings together 24 major postal operators from Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region, and whose services are used by over 190 operators worldwide. Del Fante, who was unanimously elected in May, will lead a board of directors comprising senior executives from DHL, La Poste, PostNL and the US Postal Service. The organisation focuses on international cooperation, innovation, digitalisation and the development of e-commerce. It is not a regulatory body, but it is one of the forums where major operators seek to develop joint strategies to tackle the future.

Del Fante’s appointment joins a list worth noting. There is Massimiliano Giansanti, president of Confagricoltura, who was re-elected in October to lead Copa, the main organisation representing European farmers. This role involves direct participation in discussions on European agricultural policies, international trade, sustainability and the future of the CAP. Then there is Davide Galli, a representative of Confartigianato, who since January 2026 has chaired SMEunited, the major European organisation representing the interests of over 26 million small and medium-sized enterprises. This is an important role at a time when Europe is engaged in discussions on competitiveness, bureaucracy, innovation and the simplification of regulations.

And that’s not all. Stefano De Alessandri, chief executive of ANSA, chairs EANA, the alliance bringing together 33 European news agencies, which today must address issues such as artificial intelligence, content protection and relations with major digital platforms. Luigi Scordamaglia, chief executive of Filiera Italia, heads EAT Europe, an organisation that brings together various key players in the agri-food supply chain. Massimiliano Fabian chairs the European Coffee Federation. Sandro Bonomi, an entrepreneur from Brescia, heads the European Federation of Valve and Taps Manufacturers. There are also very recent examples: until last June, Emanuele Grimaldi had led the International Chamber of Shipping – the world’s leading organisation of shipowners – for four years, whilst Piero Petrucco chaired FIEC, the European Construction Industry Federation, until May.

These are different roles, of course, with varying levels of influence and distinct functions. But they share a common element: they demonstrate that a country’s influence is not measured solely by the clout of its businesses or the number of its representatives in institutions. It is also measured by the ability to build relationships, bring together interests, and lead organisations representing people of different nationalities. Those who chair these associations do not represent their own country, but all the members. And this is precisely the interesting part of the story. Whilst part of the public debate continues to regard national borders as the natural framework within which to measure a country’s strength, there is another dimension – less conspicuous and often more tangible – in which Italy manages to play an international role. Del Fante’s appointment offers an opportunity to recognise this.