The Governorate and the Customs and Monopolies Agency of the Italian Republic sign a Protocol of Cooperation

On Thursday morning, 27 February, the Governorate of Vatican City State signed an important Protocol of Cooperation with the Customs and Monopolies Agency of the Italian Republic at the Agency's headquarters in Piazza Mastai, Rome. The agreement, which is aimed at revitalizing customs cooperation, was signed by Mr. Roberto Alesse, Director of the Customs and Monopolies Agency, and by Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, President of the Governorate.

The Agreement, whose aim is the interoperability between the two customs systems in a world that is rapidly changing, especially technologically, has the goal of simplifying, updating and making procedures more efficient. To this end, the Protocol addresses two key aspects: the first involves the experimental introduction of a telematic system for the submission of currency declarations related to cross-border movements to and from Vatican City State.

The adoption of this technology will make operations faster, more accurate and secure, streamline processes and increase transparency. The second strategic aspect of the Agreement has to do with the continuous update of the skills of the customs staff. A team of qualified officials from the Agency will update the staff of the Vatican's customs department via a targeted training programme, support the digitization of procedures and foster the best practices that are already being followed by the Customs and Monopolies Agency.

"There has been a long-standing relationship of cooperation between the Customs Administration of the Italian Republic and that of Vatican City State, which needs to be adapted to the complexities of the times we are living in. There is an absolute need to manage digital transformation processes and to update customs practices, also in light of the reforms on the matter at the European level, in order to ensure the efficient management of the transit of goods and currency, including those destined for Vatican City State. The Protocol that was signed today is aimed in this direction and provides a new operational framework for the future. We are very satisfied with the result that has been achieved", said Director Alesse on the sidelines of the ceremony.

Mr. Maurizio Leo, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, said: “The Italian Government welcomes this Agreement favourably. It strengthens bilateral cooperation by simplifying customs relations. This achievement, the result of a cooperation between our Customs Administration and Vatican City State, is a step towards a more transparent, effective and innovative cooperation. With this Agreement, Italy reaffirms its commitment to promote solutions that are capable of addressing technological challenges and the evolution of the international economic context". The Deputy Minister also added: “I would like to thank the Farnesina (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), the Italian Embassy to the Holy See, the delegations and the working groups involved. A special tribute goes to the Governor ( President) of Vatican City State, H.E. Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, and to the Director of the Customs and Monopolies Agency, Mr. Roberto Alesse, for their valuable efforts  and commendable determination in their respective Administrations.

The following is the address of Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga.

I warmly greet Honourable Mr. Maurizio Leo, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of

Economy and Finance,

Mr. Roberto Alesse, Director of the Customs and Monopolies Agency,

Mr. Andrea Manzella, Director of the International Relations Office,

Mr. Claudio Oliviero, Director of the Customs Department,

and the Delegation of the Customs and Monopolies Agency,

The Ambassador of Italy to the Holy See, H.E. Mr. Francesco Di Nitto,

The Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to the Holy See, H.E. Mr. Antonio Zanardi Landi,

I also greet Sister Raffaella Petrini, Secretary General of the Governorate,

Mr. Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, Deputy Secretary General,

and Mr. Davide Giulietti, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Security and Civil Protection Services and representatives of the Governorate.

We are gathered here to lay the foundations for a fruitful partnership between the Governorate of Vatican City State and the Customs and Monopolies Agency of the Italian Republic.

The Protocol we are about to sign formalizes and improves years of discussions between Italy and Vatican City State, aimed at implementing adopted customs procedures.

First of all, allow me to express my most sincere gratitude and that of the Governorate for your active participation in the technical committee.

This Protocol is the result of the Committee of experts, whose main objective was to establish a reference framework for the regulation of customs-related matter, at a strictly technical and administrative level.

In order to achieve this dual objective, it is ever more necessary that Customs and the Governorate collaborate with synergy and promote an operational technical committee that will make customs procedures that are implemented in Vatican City State more efficient and dynamic.

This partnership should contribute to fostering transparency, streamlining bureaucracy, encouraging innovation and creating an efficient and functional customs administration.

I join in the good wishes for Pope Francis' health and lift up prayers for him.

Thank you for your kind attention.

The following is the address of Sr. Raffaella Petrini.

I warmly greet Honourable Mr. Maurizio Leo, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance,

Mr. Roberto Alesse, Director of the Customs and Monopolies Agency,

Mr. Andrea Manzella, Director of the International Relations Office,

Mr. Claudio Oliviero, Director of the Customs Department,

and the Delegation of the Customs and Monopolies Agency,

I also greet Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, President of the Governorate,

Mr. Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, Deputy Secretary General,

and Mr. Davide Giulietti, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Security and Civil Protection Services,

I would like to begin by thanking those who participated in the technical committee and made the signing of the Protocol on technical and administrative cooperation in customs matters, possible.

I appreciate the important commitment of the Customs and Monopolies Agency, which is actively cooperating with the Governorate of Vatican City State on issues such as security and customs procedures, that require cross-sectional cooperation and the exchange of information, in order to tackle transnational criminal activities.

This Protocol is an important and fundamental tool to further improve our customs partnership with the Republic.

It demonstrates the bilateral commitment to prevent, identify and investigate crimes linked to those who cross our borders, and to promote the free movement of people and goods.

In this regard, it is necessary to expand the digital transformation of databases and create a digital ecosystem.

This is a challenge for institutions, in which customs offices work together to deal with the various challenges that arise each day.

We hope that the Italian Republic and Vatican City State will quickly be able to exchange data and available information, in order to improve transparency and promote legality.

The pandemic made us face a reality for which we were unprepared, that forced us to focus on digital logistics and alternative connectivity systems and to seek a productive and integrated digitization.

It involves embracing ongoing social changes and cooperating in order to fulfill the tasks and objectives outlined in the Protocol, which are undoubtedly a great challenge for the Governorate, for our officials and for the State.

I too join in prayers for the Pope. Our thoughts are constantly directed towards Gemelli Hospital. He is in our thoughts today as well.

Thank you for your attention.