Elena Palloni

Elena Palloni holds a PhD in political theory and international relations, master's degrees in peacekeeping and security studies and procurement management, and a degree in international business management.

After a brief period in the private sector and five years at the Provincial Administration of Rimini, she joined the Ministry of Defence in 2001. Her varied national and international assignments focused mainly on negotiation, alongside academic and professional interests in leadership, cross-cultural competencies and negotiation.

She worked in the Cabinet of the State Secretary for European Affairs in 2014–2015, during Italy's EU Presidency, and again in 2018–2019. In 2021, she joined the Presidency of the Council of Ministers' Department for European Affairs. At the Office for Coordination of European Policies, she supported Italy's participation in shaping and implementing EU legislation and policies, including dossiers on competitiveness, strategic autonomy and the protection of strategic interests.

Since 2024, she has worked at the Department for Equal Opportunities, handling international engagements and negotiations and representing Italy in multinational forums. She is also a reserve officer in the Italian Navy and an independent EU expert evaluating strategic projects.