Laura Balbo, appointed on 10 November 1998 by the new Government headed by Massimo D'Alema, with responsibility for women's affairs and formally entrusted to publicise and support EU programmes. ###>Laura Balbo, appointed on 10 November 1998 by the new Government headed by Massimo D'Alema, with responsibility for women's affairs) and formally entrusted to publicise and support EU programmes.