Diplomatic relations
Italy and Sweden maintain excellent bilateral relations, which have been solid since the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861, when several European countries, including the Union between Sweden and Norway, recognized the new state and established normal diplomatic relations. King Victor Emmanuel II appointed Minister Resident Andrea Tagliacarne as his diplomatic representative, who arrived in Stockholm on March 27, 1862. Diplomatic relations between Italy and Sweden continued at the level of Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary until 1958, when they were elevated to the rank of Ambassador with the appointment of Benedetto Capomazza di Campolattaro. Since 1926, the year of its acquisition, the Oakhill complex has served as the premises of the Italian diplomatic mission in Sweden and continues to house both the offices and the residence of the Ambassador of Italy to the Kingdom of Sweden.
Recent political relations
In recent years, bilateral relations have further strengthened thanks to high-level institutional visits at the level of Heads of State and bilateral meetings involving Heads of Government and Ministers of Foreign Affairs. Notable events include the State visit of the President of the Italian Republic to Sweden in 2018 and the visit of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel to Rome in 2021. In February 2023, the President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, traveled to Stockholm for a bilateral meeting with the Swedish Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, while in February 2025 she welcomed him at Palazzo Chigi. Sweden’s Foreign Minister Tobias Billström visited Rome in April 2023 and his successor, Maria Malmer Stenergard, travelled to Lampedusa in November the same year.
The two countries share broad alignment on numerous key issues on the European agenda, particularly regarding the strengthening of the European Union’s role as a global actor, the promotion of trade and investment, and the development of the single market. Italy and Sweden share a strong commitment to fundamental rights and freedoms, environmental protection, and the social dimension of the European project. There is also full convergence of views on peacekeeping activities and crisis management, as well as on security, the fight against irregular migration, and the competitiveness of the productive system.
Building on a foundation of mutual admiration and a shared commitment to guide the future development of bilateral relations, particular attention is given to scientific and technological cooperation, the defense industry and the space sector. These objectives are also pursued through intense multilateral cooperation, especially within the framework of the United Nations, NATO, and the OSCE.
For information on bilateral agreements between Italy and Sweden, please visit the Agreements section.