Recognition for Foibe victims: national committee established

Following amendments to Law No. 92 of 30 March 2004, recognition was established for victims of the foibe massacres and the Julian-Dalmatian exodus. The measure also concerns the area of Gargnano, on Lake Garda, and provides for the involvement of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of the Interior.

By decree dated 19 December 2025, the Presidency of the Council of Ministers established the committee responsible for examining applications submitted by the family members and relatives of people who were killed and thrown into foibe. The committee also assesses the requests from a historical perspective, examining applications relating to the victims of the foibe tragedy.

Applications may also be submitted by the mayor of the municipality where the person thrown into a foiba was born. If the municipality is no longer part of the territory of the Italian state, the historical associations of Istrian, Fiumian and Dalmatian exiles, together with the Lega nazionale di Trieste, are recognised as eligible applicants.

The committee is also tasked with promoting initiatives aimed at identifying the victims. The objective is to allow the persons indicated in Article 3 of Law No. 92 of 30 March 2004 to submit applications for the metal insignia bearing the words “The Italian Republic remembers” and the related diploma.

The legal framework was updated by Law No. 16 of 21 February 2014. This amended the provisions concerning initiatives intended to raise awareness of the foibe tragedy and the Julian-Dalmatian exodus, with particular attention to younger generations. Procedures and requirements are set out in the notice issued by the Municipality of Gargnano.