IGI is the Italian NGI (National Grid Initiative) and is part of the European Grid Infrastructure named EGI. NGIs are "legal organizations, supported by governments, and providing a unique representation at the European and international levels for all the communities related to national grid infrastructures: from resources providers to scientific users" [EGI_DS Blueprint]. It is currently an EU Joint Research Unit (JRU), based on a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the members in December 2007, and formally supported by the Italian Ministry for University and Research (MIUR) and the European Commission.