OBS_VALUE: The first branch of a non-EU bank must be approved by the Bank of Italy in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Non-EU banks already operating a branch in Italy can open other branches with the authorisation of the Bank of Italy. Directive 2013/36/EU  on access to the activity of credit institutions and the prudential supervision of credit institutions and investment firms, articles 35, 36 and 47The conditions for the authorisation of a foreign credit institution cannot give rise to a more favourable treatment than the one from which benefit the remaining credit institutions. This implies that third country branches are authorised.   