Overview
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the observer role after a U.S. invitation during her visit to Addis Ababa.
- She said Italy’s level of representation on the board has not yet been decided.
- Italy had previously ruled out full membership on constitutional grounds.
- The board counts 26 member states, with only Bulgaria and Hungary participating from the EU as others stayed away over concern about rivalry with the UN.
- The first meeting is scheduled for February 19 in Washington.