Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings – ATCM 23/06 - 3/07 2025 Milano

From June 23 to July 3, 2025, Milan will host the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCM).

The ATCM is attended by representatives of all the signatory States of the Antarctic Treaty, along with invited observers and experts. It is held annually “for the purpose of exchanging information, consulting on matters of common interest pertaining to Antarctica, and formulating, considering, and recommending to their Governments measures in furtherance of the principles and objectives of the Treaty” (Art. IX). The meetings are hosted each year by one of the decision-making States, known as the “Consultative Parties,” which currently number 29 out of the 58 signatory States. Consultative status is granted to members by an ATCM Decision, based on the consensus of the decision-making States.

The ATCM has a permanent Secretariat based in Buenos Aires, tasked with supporting the organization of the annual Consultative Meeting and facilitating the achievement of the Treaty’s objectives. The ATCM is composed of a Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) and three working groups, respectively dedicated to: 1) legal and institutional matters; 2) scientific cooperation; and 3) Antarctic tourism.

Both the CEP and the three aforementioned working groups submit matters to the ATCM Plenary for approval. A fundamental principle in this process is consensus, meaning unanimity is required for adoption.

The ATCM operates through three types of instruments: Measures, which contain provisions intended to become legally binding once approved by all the Consultative Parties according to their internal procedures; Decisions, which take effect upon adoption or at otherwise specified times; and Resolutions, which are non-binding recommendations.

The 2025 ATCM meetings will be held at Fiera Milano Congressi (MI.CO.), one of the most prestigious conference centers in Italy and Europe, offering ample space and multiple operational solutions for hosting congress events.

For further information: Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings – Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale

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