What the COMITES are, the antennas of the Italian spirit abroad

Discovering the representative bodies of the Italian community outside the borders, since 1985 directly elected by compatriots…

What are the COMITES, which are often improperly mentioned in Italy as well as outside the borders of the Republic? It is worth reconstructing their birth and purposes. First of all, the broad acronym is synonymous with the Committee of Italians Abroad.
Established in 1985, they are representative bodies of the Italian community, directly elected by the Italians residing abroad in each consular district where at least three thousand Italians registered in the updated list referred to in Article 5, paragraph 1, of Law 459/2001 reside.
In constituencies where fewer than three thousand Italian citizens reside, the Committees may be appointed by the diplomatic and consular authorities.
The COMITES are composed of 12 members or 18 members, depending on whether they are elected in consular districts with fewer or more than 100,000 resident Italian citizens, as they result from the updated list of Italian citizens residing abroad.
In addition to the elected members of Italian citizenship, foreign citizens of Italian origin may also be included in the Committee, by co-optation, in an amount not exceeding one third of the members of the elected Committee (4 or 6 members).

In relation to diplomatic-consular representations

In accordance with article 1, paragraph 2, of Law 286/2003, the COMITES are the representative bodies of Italians abroad in relations with diplomatic-consular representations.
Through studies and research, they contribute to identifying the social, cultural and civil development needs of the community in question. In collaboration with the consular authority, the regions and local autonomies, as well as with bodies, associations and committees operating within the consular district, they promote appropriate initiatives in matters pertaining to social and cultural life, with particular regard to youth participation, equal opportunities, social and educational assistance, professional training, the recreational sector, sport and leisure.
The Committees are also called upon to cooperate with the Consular Authority in protecting the rights and interests of Italian citizens residing in the consular district.
Following the elections held in April 2015, 101 elective Committees now operate, to which 5 consular appointees must be added. The Committees are distributed as follows: 47 are located in Europe, including Zurich and St. Gallen in Switzerland, 42 in the Americas, 10 in Asia and Oceania and 7 in Africa.