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U.S. Relations With Italy

More information about Italy is available on the Italy Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.

U.S.-ITALY RELATIONS

The United States established diplomatic relations with Italy in 1861 following the unification of most of the peninsula into one state. In 1941, Italy -- with the other World War II Axis powers Germany and Japan -- declared war on the United States. U.S. relations with Italy were reestablished in 1944. Today, the United States and Italy enjoy warm and friendly relations.

Italy is a steadfast and active transatlantic partner, and the U.S. and Italy have sought to foster democratic ideals and international cooperation, especially in areas of strife and civil conflict. The U.S.-Italy partnership is one of our strongest, as Italy is a leader in peacekeeping and military operations around the world. Italy has also worked closely with the United States and others in combating drug trafficking, human trafficking, and terrorism. Over the past year, Italy has been an early and active partner in the fights against ISIL and Ebola.

This year, Italy will host Milan Expo 2015: Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life, a world fair that will examine the challenges of feeding nine billion people by 2050. The U.S. participation in the Expo will be centered around a 40,000 square-foot USA Pavilion designed around the theme American Food 2.0: United to Feed the Planet. The Expo is an important opportunity to explore and discuss international issues such as sustainable development, climate change, transatlantic trade, biotechnology, and tourism as well as a dynamic platform for showcasing American innovation and our rich culinary traditions.

U.S. Assistance to Italy

The United States provides no development assistance to Italy.

Bilateral Economic Relations

The United States and Italy cooperate closely on major economic issues, including within the G-8. The United States is one of Italy s most important trade partners, with two-way trade in 2014 totaling $59 billion. As a member of the European Union (EU), Italy is bound by EU treaties and laws, including those directly governing or indirectly impacting business investments. Under both the EU treaty s Right of Establishment, and the Friendship, Commerce and Navigation Treaty with the United States, Italy is generally obliged to provide national treatment to U.S. investors established in Italy or in another EU member state. The two countries have enacted an income tax agreement to prevent double taxation.

Italy s Membership in International Organizations

Italy and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, G-20, G-8, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Italy also is an observer to the Organization of American States.

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Italy is John R. Phillips ; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department s Key Officers List .

Italy maintains an embassy in the United States at 3000 Whitehaven Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-612-4400).

More information about Italy is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here: