I have often said that the length of the European integration process is one of the causes of frustration for candidate countries, and that this leads to a loss of appeal among citizens. This is why Italy is working to make the accession mechanisms faster and more concrete ~ Luca Gori
Speaking in the third year of his mandate in Belgrade, Italy’s ambassador insists that bilateral relations between Italy and Serbia are excellent. Ambassador Gori also notes that Italy remains Serbia’s third largest trading partner, while he responds to concerns among citizens over the departure from Serbia of several well-known Italian companies by explaining that this is a “complex issue” and that decisions to leave “were linked to difficult challenges not directly related to the Serbian market”. Ambassador Gori is nonetheless encouraged by the arrival of other Italian companies, such as Ariston, which is building a production facility in Niš.
Your Excellency, given that you’ve been resident in Serbia since 2022, how would you describe the current state of bilateral relations?
— Our bilateral relations are excellent. Italy and Serbia have profited since 2022 from constant and high-level political dialogue, most recently with Minister Tajani’s visit to Belgrade in January.
We have also revitalised parliamentary diplomacy, with the presidents of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, Craxi and Tremonti, having visited Belgrade, while the President of Serbia’s National Assembly, Ana Brnabić, visited Italy.
Our economic relations have maintained their highest level, with the bilateral trade exchange totalling €4.47 billion in 2024, confirming Italy as Serbia’s third largest trading partner. We continue to work to strengthen and renew our economic partnership by focusing both on trade promotion and scientific cooperation. Since 2022, we have organised three Business Fora (two in Belgrade and one in Trieste), two Scientific Fora (one in Serbia and one in Italy), and one Innovation and Start-up Forum. These events were joined by hundreds of companies, many universities and research centres, while we also promoted the organising of hundreds of business meetings and the signing of several agreements.
Since we are convinced that Serbia is a key player in terms of regional stability, our bilateral relations are of primary importance. Italy is the leading European contributor to the region’s security in light of the role played by the Italian Armed Forces in the framework of the KFOR mission in Kosovo, which we currently command, and the EUFOR Althea mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Cultural diplomacy is also very important to us. It is the best way to reinforce existing ties between our countries. Together with the Italian Cultural Institute, we organise numerous events, screenings, exhibitions and concerts that feature renowned Italian artists, while we also work to promote the Italian language.
As the ambassador of a country that strongly supports Serbia’s European integration, you have stated that Italy advocates concrete progress from Serbia on this path in the near future, particularly through the opening of new negotiating chapters. It nonetheless appears as though Italy currently finds itself in the minority among EU member states when it comes to holding this position. In your view, why has this process remained blocked for over two years?
— I can once again confirm that Italy strongly supports Serbia’s accession to the EU and that we continue to be in favour of opening Cluster 3. I have often said that the length of the European integration process is one of the causes of frustration for candidate countries, and that this leads to a loss of appeal among citizens. This is why Italy is working to make accession mechanisms faster and more concrete, and to ensure that the entire process continues to be merit-based. Italy also plays a leading role within the Friends of the Western Balkans group, the most recent meeting of which was hosted by Minister Tajani in Rome last February. This initiative brings together some like-minded EU member states and candidate countries from the region, with the aim of accelerating their European integration process.
Since 2022, we have organised three Business Fora (two in Belgrade and one in Trieste), two Scientific Fora (one in Serbia and one in Italy), and one Innovation and Start-up Forum
As for Serbia specifically, since enlargement has regained a central place on the European agenda, Belgrade needs to give new momentum to the reforms required for accession, in order to avoid the risk of the process falling to a standstill. We welcome President Vučić’s commitment to completing the reform process by the end of 2026. It is an ambitious goal, but we encourage the Serbian Government to work towards achieving it, starting with reforms concerning media freedom, the fight against corruption and electoral law. These reforms are also crucial to take full advantage of the Growth Plan — the EU’s flagship tool designed to accelerate the accession process by fostering the gradual economic integration of the region into the Single Market and providing up to six billion euros in funding for the Western Balkans.
The European Parliament adopted its Resolution on Serbia in May, which contains messages concerning the rule of law. Would you share the view that Serbia faces challenges in the fight against corruption, media freedom and electoral legislation?
— The fight against corruption, media freedom and the rule of law are foundational values of the EU — the core of the European Union’s transformative power and central to the accession process. As Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos emphasised recently, the European integration process brings both benefits and responsibilities. The responsibility lies with the candidate countries to create the conditions for these principles to flourish. The benefit is the wellbeing of their citizens and the opportunity to live in freer, more democratic and fairer societies.
You recently presented your new book in Serbia, in which you examine the European Union and the Western Balkans. One of its key messages is that both the security and credibility of the EU depend on its success in the Western Balkans. Is it possible to change the regional reality in which, despite formal commitments to EU integration, external players like the United States, China, Turkey or Russia are often seen as more influential than the EU?
— The European Union is Serbia’s most important partner by far: over twothirds of Serbia’s total trade is conducted with the EU and European companies account for more than 60% of total foreign direct investment.
EU funds also supported critical reforms in Serbia in sectors including infrastructure, public administration, healthcare, education, the environment and the rule of law. These are tangible facts that reflect a longstanding and deep commitment built on real partnerships and enduring engagement.
Although the data clearly shows that the EU has been, and remains, Belgrade’s main partner both politically and economically, the fatigue surrounding the enlargement process has for too long left a vacuum that other international actors have quickly moved to fill— at times even resorting to disinformation strategies.
It is therefore vital to re-commit to a joint effort in the region to rebuild consensus around the EU. As I have said, an effective accession process requires reforms, but they cannot be implemented successfully without the broad involvement of all stakeholders: the government, the parliament and civil society organisations.
The EU itself is facing numerous internal challenges, and the situation appears to have grown even more complex following Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election. In this context, Italy has been perceived as a country that managed to establish common ground with the United States more swift ly than others. In today’s EU, would you consider this an advantage or a disadvantage?
— Transatlantic relations are an extraordinary asset for Italy and the European Union, as well as for the United States, with which Rome has traditionally maintained a deep bond. I believe that the relationship between Rome and Washington can be seen not only in bilateral terms, but also as a contribution to strengthening ties between the U.S. and EU.
Rome is working actively towards a concrete revitalisation of Washington- Brussels relations. The United States and Europe, after all, are the pillars of Italian foreign policy — two sides of the same coin.
It was once again confirmed during the recent visit of Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani that Italy will take part in Belgrade’s specialised Expo 2027 exhibition. In what way does Italy intend to be represented at this important event?
— Following the announcement made by Foreign Minister Tajani on the occasion of the third Italy-Serbia Business Forum in January, Italy’s participation in Expo 2027 was further confirmed through an official letter from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to President Vučić. This high-level communication reflects the great importance that Italy attaches to this international event that will be hosted in Belgrade.
Italy plays a leading role within the Friends of the Western Balkans group, the most recent meeting of which was hosted by Minister Tajani in Rome last February
Expo 2027, dedicated to the themes of sport and music, touches on areas of particular significance to Italy — two sectors in which our country boasts a longstanding tradition and world-renowned excellence. Italy stands ready to cooperate actively with Serbia in shaping the event’s programme, contributing both ideas and expertise, building on the legacy of Expo 2015 that was held in Milan. Moreover, numerous Italian companies have already expressed strong interest in participating in the Expo. We therefore hope that, in addition to being a cultural and social celebration, this exhibition will also serve as a powerful catalyst to further strengthen our economic and commercial relations.
It was noted at January’s Italy–Serbia Business Forum, which gathered several hundred businesspeople from both countries, that bilateral trade had reached five billion euros and that Italy remains one of Serbia’s most important economic partners. In which sectors of the economy do you see the greatest potential to further strengthen economic cooperation?
— There is still significant untapped potential in the economic relations between Italy and Serbia. Areas like artificial intelligence, agri-tech, green transition and energy sustainability are key fields where we see great opportunities for collaboration.
We are also focusing strongly, together with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE), on the Serbian trade fair system, which is undergoing significant expansion. Following the positive experiences of recent years, Italy participated as Strategic Partner of the International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad last May, while we were the Partner Country at February’s Tourism Fair in Belgrade and we next year aim to renew our presence by focusing on the HoReCa sector, where Italy boasts great expertise. We will also take part again in the Wine Vision fair, together with VeronaFiere in November.
Moreover, as Minister Tajani mentioned, it is also essential to improve the flow of goods between our two countries. To that end, we are working actively on a long-term project for the Trieste- Belgrade railway corridor. This is a strategic initiative that will not only enhance trade exchanges, but will also improve connectivity between Italy and Serbia, contributing to stronger economic ties and a more sustainable economy for both countries.
Although Serbia is experiencing a phase of political instability due to internal protests, we are firmly convinced that our bilateral economic relations present many opportunities to be grasped. We are working on it.
It was nonetheless announced not long after the forum that, following Geox, Benetton would also be shutting down its operations in Serbia. Alongside Fiat in Kragujevac—which is itself facing serious existential challenges—these two companies were among the most recognisable Italian brands in the country. Do you have any insight into the reasons for these closures?
— This is a complex issue. The decisions taken by the companies you mentioned were linked to difficult challenges not related directly to the Serbian market. Nevertheless, it is important to maintain a positive and forward-looking attitude, building on the new investments and partnerships that are currently taking shape.
Among them, I would like to highlight Ariston, which is building a production facility in Niš, along with a research and development centre, representing a total investment of €75 million. Also in Niš, UCIMU — the largest Italian association for machine tools — is in contact with the Science and Technology Park, with the goal of hopefully launching a technology centre featuring state-of-the-art Italian machinery by the end of the year. Furthermore, important investments are expected in the intermodal connectivity sector, with the aim of improving rail-based goods exchanges. In conclusion, despite the complex context, Serbia continues to represent an appealing and strategic market for Italian companies.
You announced recently that Italy will continue to support Serbia through the Central European Initiative Fund within the EBRD. Which projects will receive special attention in the upcoming call for proposals – to be launched in June?
— Italy is giving new momentum to the activity of the Central European Initiative (CEI), and we are particularly pleased that Serbia holds the CEI Presidency this year. The Serbian Presidency has rightly chosen to focus on artificial intelligence and connectivity—two areas that are also of strategic importance for us. In this framework, the CEI Fund at the EBRD—entirely financed by Italy—will continue to support Serbia. The upcoming call for proposals, to be launched in June, is open to all initiatives that contribute to bringing Serbia closer to the European Union – an objective that Italy supports strongly and believes must remain a strategic priority for Belgrade. To date, the Fund has already supported 118 projects in Serbia, confirming our longstanding commitment to the country’s European accession path.