“Youth Guard Units” are initiating strategic international cooperation with the “Falcone Foundation,” an organization led by Prof. Maria Falcone, sister of Giovanni Falcone and a long-time advocate for the rule of law in Italy.
On February 27, a first working meeting was held in Palermo with the leadership of the foundation and the president of the museum dedicated to the memory of Falcone and Borsellino, as well as other mafia victims – Vincenzo Di Fresco. The meeting laid the groundwork for an official cooperation agreement between the two parties.
Giuseppe De Francesco, the Honorary Consul of Italy in Bulgaria, has made a significant contribution to realizing this partnership. His support and active involvement are already reflected in the growing international recognition of the “Youth Guard Units.”
As a result of the agreements reached, this fall young people from Bulgaria and Italy will participate in joint training sessions with magistrates from both countries. The program will cover topics such as the rule of law, human rights protection, institutional ethics, and civic responsibility. Starting in May, accompanying initiatives, forums, and educational projects will also be specified.
The Foundation enjoys broad institutional support in Italy, including from President Sergio Mattarella. His personal history—the tragic loss of his brother Piersanti Mattarella, who was killed by the Mafia in Palermo while serving as President of the Sicily region—adds additional moral weight to the cause for justice.
The names of the mafia’s victims remain symbols of courage and integrity in the defense of the law. Their example continues to inspire new generations.For Italy, justice is a historically hard-earned value. For Bulgaria, it is a strategic priority and a choice for development.
With this partnership, the “Youth Guard Units” affirm their role as active participants in developing young leaders who prioritize law, dignity, and social responsibility above all.
International Partnership in the Name of Justice: Bulgaria and Italy Join Forces to Train Young Leaders
The “Youth Guard Teams” are initiating an international strategic collaboration with the “Falcone” Foundation – an organization led by Prof. Maria Falcone, sister of Giovanni Falcone, and committed for years to promoting the rule of law in Italy.
On February 27, the first operational meeting took place in Palermo with the management of the Foundation and the president of the museum dedicated to the memory of Falcone, Borsellino, and other victims of the mafia – Vincenzo Di Fresco. The meeting laid the groundwork for an official collaboration agreement between the two parties.
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Following the agreements reached, starting this fall, young people from Bulgaria and Italy will participate in joint training courses with magistrates from both countries. The program will address topics such as the rule of law, the protection of human rights, institutional ethics, and civic responsibility. Additionally, from May onwards, further initiatives, forums, and educational projects will be defined.
The Foundation enjoys broad institutional support in Italy, including from President Sergio Mattarella. His personal history – the tragic loss of his brother Piersanti Mattarella, who was killed by the mafia in Palermo while serving as President of the Sicilian Region – adds further moral weight to the cause of justice.
The names of the mafia’s victims remain a symbol of courage and steadfastness in defending legality. Their example continues to inspire new generations.
For Italy, justice is a historically achieved value through sacrifice. For Bulgaria, it is a strategic priority and a development choice.