POLITICAL/ECONOMIC  SECTION

The Political/Economic Section at the U.S. Consulate Milan is responsible for all economic and political issues in northern Italy.

Much of the work in the Political/Economic section focuses on economic and financial issues since northern Italy is the center of most Italian business and financial activity. The Italian stock exchange is located in Milan, and most of the largest companies in Italy are located in the north. Northern Italy is also host to most of the foreign investment in Italy, including most U.S. investment. Per capita income in northern Italy is one of the highest in the world.

In addition to following general economic developments in northern Italy, the Political/Economic section keeps an eye on several specific issues of concern including port security, the protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), various issues related to an increase in free trade, and civil aviation issues at Milan’s Malpensa and Linate airports. The section collaborates with local government and law enforcement officials in the protection of IPR. Malpensa Airport is home to a number of U.S. airlines.

The Section also maintains contact with influential northern Italian Ministers and politicians and reports on political trends from a northern viewpoint. The political situation in the north reflects its own characteristics, as do those in the rest of Italy, and the north is home to the pro-federalist Northern League.

The Political/Economic section provides support to frequent high-level visits to the region, including those of the Ambassador, U.S. Senators, congressmen and Cabinet Secretaries.