Konsulat honorowy w Szczecinie jako narzędzie włoskiej dyplomacji kulturalnej na terenie województwa zachodniopomorskiego
Honorary Consulate in Szczecin as a Italian cultural diplomacy tool in West Pomerania

Summary/Abstract: For several years the number and importance of Italian honorary consuls beyond borders of the country was rising. Among the crucial factors, deciding about the new status of the honorary consul, should indicate the economic crisis which forced the Italian administration to redun- dancies, but also the reorientation of the foreign policy and the related revision of the role of professional consuls in EU Member States. Although the duties of an honorary consul are not assigned to trained diplomats, the service goes far beyond protecting and caring for Italian citizens. One of the main functions is contribution in the development of bilateral cultural relations and the promotion of the Italian language, implemented in direct cooperation with other units of cultural diplomacy. In this article I focus on some of the practical dimensions of holding the office of honorary consul, based on the priorities of Italian cultural diplomacy, experience of the honorary consul in Szczecin, and chosen activities of cooperation between Western Pomerania and Italy. What is the role of honorary consul? What actions he takes? What are his/hers main goals? These are the questions that I will try to answer.

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