By Roy Lie Atajm
In celebration of the National Day of the Italian Republic, H.E. Mr. Augusto Massari, the Ambassador of Italy in the Netherlands, and Mrs. Silvia Massari hosted an engaging reception in The Hague on June 2, 2026. This special evening combined history, culture, gastronomy, and diplomacy in a remarkable way.
The celebration commenced with a compelling video message from Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who delivered a message: achieving peace, prosperity, and stability hinges on cooperation—between countries, people, and within Europe itself.
A highlight of the evening was the captivating flag performance by the Sbandieratori di Assisi, which demonstrated the beauty of Italian tradition.
Additionally, the audience was truly inspired by Olympic champion Francesca Lollobrigida, who eloquently shared how her success is closely tied to her training in the Netherlands, a country known for its exceptional support in her sport. This served as a powerful reminder of how collaboration across diverse systems can elevate individual talent.
Equally memorable were the national anthems, “Il Canto degli Italiani” and the “Wilhelmus.” Together, these anthems represented two nations, two cultures, yet underscored a vital truth: that cooperation triumphs over division, and together, we can achieve great things!
It was inspiring to connect with those fostering relations between the Netherlands and Italy, including representatives from the Italian Chamber of Commerce, the Dante Alighieri Society, and companies like Eni and SMEG Nederland. Their commitment to enhancing trade, culture, education, and collaboration is commendable.
The evening celebrated Italian identity, demonstrating rich culture and traditions. From the flag-throwers of Assisi to the recognition of Italian restaurants in the Netherlands, every moment highlighted Italian products as symbols of quality and heritage. What set this celebration apart was its ability to transform a diplomatic event into a cultural experience shared by thousands.
Italy’s 80th anniversary festivities reached distant corners of the world. In Niamey, capital of the Republic of Niger, the official reception blended seamlessly with the Niger River Afro-Urban Music Festival, creating meaningful connections. Italy’s Ambassador, H.E. Roberto Orlando, delivered a message that resonated with both diplomats and festival-goers, amplified through social media broadcasts.
The welcome speech by H.E. Mr. Augusto Massari, the Ambassador of Italy in the Netherlands.
“Madam Minister of Defence,
Dear Ambassadors, Dutch authorities and MP,
Our Champion Francesca Lollobrigida,
dear guests, cari connazionali,
It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to the celebration for the 80 years of the Italian Republic!
A year has passed since I took office as the Italian Ambassador to the Netherlands.
In these twelve months, I have developed a few fundamental certainties:
- – Never underestimate the wind when cycling;
- – Understand that bitterballen can be dangerously addictive, even for Italians;
- – and… most importantly, realizing that there must be a serious reason if our Dutch friends do not talk anymore about football with us…, but only mention tennis…
Today, we gather to celebrate a pivotal moment in our history. June 2nd represents for the Italian people the choice to turn the page after the disaster of World War II. It was the choice for a path of hope for our nation; a path to be travelled together with other European nations and the historic allies who liberated Italy from Nazi-Fascism. The images of Rome liberated by American soldiers became an icon for our nation.
The Netherlands is clearly an integral part of this friendship, as founding nation of the European Union and being integral part of our Western identity. Europe and West. We often take for granted these two words. But it is impossible to plan any future without knowing who we are. This applies to individuals and applies to nations.
Today, our future faces extraordinary tests. The war in Ukraine is a stark reminder. We stand together in support for the Ukrainian people and in our commitment to defending NATO: Madam Minister, your presence here today underscores this vital imperative. Simultaneously, we are witnessing concerning escalations in the Middle East, an area traditionally linked to Italy that we usually call the “Great Mediterranean”. Recent developments in Lebanon deeply worry us.
In this complex landscape, Europe must step up. We must take greater responsibility or our own defence, our energy independence, and our economic competitiveness, as the Draghi and Letta reports suggest us.
- Our bilateral engagements reflect this shared ambition. Earlier this year, the SG of Minbuza visited Rome. Crucially, Minister Tom Berendsen will be in Rome next week. Scheduled visits to Italy by the Dutch ministers of Immigration and Asylum and Economy are taking place in the coming days and weeks. In The Hague we will soon welcome our DGs for political affairs and for Europe.
Furthermore, we are working closely with our Dutch friends to organize the sixth edition of the Van Wittel strategic dialogue, which will focus on security, trade, innovation and competitiveness. Beyond those sectors, our relationship flourishes on profound cultural exchanges.
More and more Dutch people are learning Italian.
In the Dutch universities, studies on the history of Italian art remain vitals. There is a growing interest in the history of ancient Rome: during my term, I have had the pleasure of engaging in this interest, especially regarding the incredible Roman archaeological site in Herleen (in the province of Limburg) and regarding the Dutch Archaeological excavation in Satricum, just south of Rome, carried out since 1977, by the Netherlands Institute in Rome, the University of Groningen and the University of Amsterdam.
Our relationship is also about people and shared passions.
Here, I must mention the visit to Italy of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima on the occasion of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. And, with a heavy but respectful heart, I must congratulate the Netherlands on their incredible success—bringing home more medals than us Italians!
Speaking of the Milan-Cortina Games, let me express our immense joy at having Italian two-time Olympic champion Francesca Lollobrigida here, as the patroness of this evening! We know having her with us today is truly special. Tomorrow, together with the Dutch Skating Federation, we are hosting a conference in Rotterdam on the value of sport for society, featuring an ice-skating clinic by Francesca with young Dutch athletes.
We also strengthen our bilateral relations through an Italian vibrant community in the Netherlands. A year into my tenure, I became fully aware of the enormous contribution the Italian community living in the Netherlands gives to those relations.
Agli imprenditori, ai professori, ai ricercatori, ai professionisti che lavorano presso le agenzie europee, agli studenti, vorrei dire che siete una risorsa straordinaria per la nostra Ambasciata.
I would also like to extend a very special welcome to the famous flag-wavers of Assisi. Their presence here is deeply exciting, as this year Italy proudly commemorates the 800th anniversary of the passing of Saint Francis. As a patron saint of Italy, his enduring legacy of peace, humility, and fraternity remains a cornerstone of our cultural identity.
Let me also warmly thank the colleagues of my Embassy who prepared this event; a special thank goes to the economic&trade office, with Jacopo and his staff, and to Diego Marchiello, who is behind all this.
And finally, I express my huge gratitude to the sponsors. A special appreciation to the Federation of Italian Chefs: 25 Italian chefs left their restaurants around the Netherlands and gather here, for free, to prepare this event): a big round of applause to you all.”
Viva l’Italia!
