The EU lunch involves only the Embassies of European countries, and takes place once a month. The Ambassadors of EU nations take part, as well as, in a capacity as guest of honour, a political or diplomatic representative of the receiving State. As a rule Ambassadors meet at 12.30 and await the arrival of the guest of honour, at about 1 p.m.
For Diplomatic Representations accredited to the Quirinale the EU lunch is organised on a monthly basis by each Embassy, in turn. In addition to the guest of honour and to the representatives of member States, the Director of the Representation in Italy of the European Commission, the Director General for the Countries of Europe and Director of the Information Office for Italy of the European Parliament are also invited.
For Diplomatic Representations to the Holy See, it is always the Embassy of the Country currently holding the European Presidency that organises, each month, the EU lunch for the whole duration of the presidency (six months). Candidate countries and the Ambassador of the EU Delegation to the Holy See are also invited.