Italy to Award Nechirvan Barzani Its Highest Civilian Honor, the Order of the Star of Italy

ARK News.. The Italian Republic will bestow one of its highest official honors on Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, during a special ceremony in Erbil on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

During the ceremony, Niccolò Fontana, Italy’s Ambassador to Iraq, will confer the Order of the Star of Italy on Barzani on behalf of Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The decoration is considered Italy’s highest honor awarded to living individuals.

Originally established in 1947 as the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity, the award was primarily intended to recognize individuals who contributed to Italy’s post-World War II reconstruction. In 2011, under former Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, the law governing the award was amended, leading to a change in both its name and purpose.

The honor now recognizes individuals who have contributed to promoting Italy’s image abroad and strengthening international friendship and cooperation. It is awarded by presidential decree.

The selection process is highly rigorous. Candidates are initially nominated by the Italian foreign minister, after which a five-member honors council reviews the nominations. One of the council members is the Head of Diplomatic Protocol at the Presidency of the Republic. The final recommendation is then submitted to the president of Italy for approval.

The award is not limited to political achievements. It is also granted to individuals who have made significant contributions to strengthening relations with Italy in fields such as science, technology, humanitarian work, trade, culture, and the arts.

The Order consists of five ranks, listed in ascending order:

Knight
Officer
Commander
Grand Officer
Knight Grand Cross

Nechirvan Barzani will receive the Knight Grand Cross, the highest rank within the Order.

Over the years, the distinction has been awarded to numerous prominent Italian and international figures who have played influential roles in their respective fields.

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