The G7 Ministerial Meeting on Interior, held in Mirabella Eclano (Avellino) from 2 to 4 October and chaired by Minister Matteo Piantedosi, ended with the adoption of a Communiqué and an Action Plan to Prevent and Counter the Smuggling of Migrants.

Mirabella Eclano

Mirabella Eclano, located in the province of Avellino, hosted the G7 Interior Ministers' Meeting. This area was once home to the ancient city of Aeclanum, a vital hub for trade along the Appian Way, which connects Rome to Brindisi and has recently been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The remains of Aeclanum, preserved within the archaeological park, showcase the site's rich history: visitors can explore an authentic slice of ancient Rome across approximately 18 hectares, featuring public baths, a covered market square, various residences, and shops.
Another site of remarkable natural beauty is the Mefite of Rocca San Felice, a small sulfurous lake in the Valley of Ansanto, noted by Virgil in the Aeneid. Renowned for its high concentration of carbon dioxide and the lively bubbling of its waters, the lake is associated with the worship of the goddess Mefite, to whom an archaic temple was dedicated and discovered in the mid-20th century.

For centuries, Mirabella Eclano has celebrated a rich heritage of folkloric traditions, most notably the 'Grande Tirata del Carro,' a ritual festival that unites the entire community in honouring their roots. The Carro is an obelisk approximately twenty-five meters tall, constructed from wooden beams and adorned with panels of hand-crafted straw. This 'straw jewel' is transported every September through fields and along city streets by six pairs of oxen and numerous participants. The procession concludes after about five hours in front of the church with a blessing of the animals.

The region is also renowned for its artistic tradition, particularly in ceramics, and its culinary excellence, including prestigious wines such as Aglianico di Taurasi, Fiano di Avellino, and Greco di Tufo. In addition to agricultural products, the province of Avellino has experienced a 9% increase in startups over the past year, reflecting an economic ecosystem that is forward-looking, with a significant contribution from women-led businesses comprising 28.83% of the total-substantially higher than the national average of 22.26%.