Luca Gori, Italian Ambassador: "We Would Like to See Serbia at the Very Forefront of the European Integration Process"

"Serbia sees Italy as a part of the West that is willing to understand Serbia and listen to its arguments and perspectives."

On the occasion of Italy's Republic Day and the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic, we spoke with Italy’s Ambassador to Serbia, Luca Gori, about how Italy views Serbia today, why Rome considers Belgrade a key partner in the Western Balkans, and what role Serbia could play in the future of the European Union.

Italy celebrates Republic Day on 2 June. What would you like Serbian citizens to better understand about your country?

"This year we are celebrating a special anniversary of the Italian Republic, as we mark 80 years since its foundation. It is an opportunity to reflect on its history and on the achievements of this important historical period for our country.

I believe it is important to remember that Italy faced numerous challenges during this period, yet achieved remarkable results.
It became Europe's second-largest industrial power, Europe's second-largest agricultural power, and the world’s fourth-largest exporting nation, while the 'Made in Italy' label has become one of the most important and recognisable brands in the world.
I think it is important for our Serbian friends to keep that in mind as well."

Italy and Serbia enjoy close political and economic relations, but there also seems to be a natural affinity between our peoples. How do you explain that connection?

"I believe there are many reasons for it.

There is a geopolitical reason. For Italy, Belgrade and Serbia are truly key actors in the Western Balkans. Traditionally, we have always invested in our relationship with Belgrade in order to better develop our interests in this region.

Secondly, the Serbian diaspora in Italy has played an important role since the eighteenth century. There is the contribution of Serbian families in Trieste, the role of today’s diaspora in Vicenza, and the Serbian Orthodox Church in Trieste, which is highly significant.

Furthermore, I believe Serbia sees Italy as what I would call a 'soft West' — a Western country that is willing to understand Serbia and listen to its arguments and reasoning.

Finally, we should probably mention several Serbian writers who wrote extensively about Italy. I would cite, for example, Miloš Crnjanski and his writings about Tuscany. They became something of a manifesto of Italian culture for Serbs and, I believe, contributed greatly to the development of people-to-people contacts between our two countries."

"We would like to see Serbia at the very forefront of the European integration process"

Italian Ambassador Luca Gori possesses extensive diplomatic experience. Before serving as ambassador to Serbia, he worked within European Union institutions and in major centres of global power such as Moscow, Brussels and Washington, D.C.. We asked him how, after everything he has witnessed in those places, he perceives the political situation in Serbia.

Where do you see Serbia’s greatest strengths, and what are its biggest challenges?

"I think that, by living and working in Serbia, I have above all come to understand that Serbia possesses an enormous capacity for innovation. It has a remarkable ability to invest in technological innovation, new technologies and artificial intelligence. I am always deeply impressed by the role played, for example, by the Science and Technology Park here in Serbia.

I also believe that Serbia has the capacity to cooperate and develop partnerships with a wide variety of countries. In other words, it has the ability to pursue a global approach.

It seeks dialogue and cooperation not only with Europe, but also with China, the United States, Russia, the Emirates and many others. That is truly exceptional for a country in the Western Balkans.

At the same time, of course, I believe it is extremely important for Serbia to invest in its institutions above all else. In other words, there is a need for a strong strengthening of state institutions.

Secondly, political division within the country presents a challenge. There is a need to overcome what I would describe as a very pronounced political polarisation, which certainly does not help Serbia progress at the pace it would like."

Do you have any advice for decision-makers on how to overcome that problem?

"I would not say I have advice, in the sense that they know very well what needs to be done. But the key word, in my opinion, is dialogue.

There needs to be dialogue even between parties and leaders who hold different opinions and pursue different political agendas.
However, in the interest of the country, there is a need to engage in dialogue without abandoning one’s own political or personal positions, while maintaining a willingness to speak with political opponents."

Gradual integration is extremely important

The return of enlargement to the European Union’s list of priorities represents one of the most significant shifts in European policy in recent years. For the countries of the Western Balkans, this raises not only the question of when they might join the Union, but also what the path to membership will look like.

Italy has traditionally supported the European perspective of the Western Balkans, and we were interested in hearing the Ambassador’s views on enlargement in the region.

Is there genuine political will within the European Union today for further enlargement? And what is your view of the phased approach?

"To be honest, enlargement is back on the agenda in Brussels. That is quite evident.

Over the last three or four years, enlargement has once again become a priority for the European Union. That was not the case previously. Today, however, there is genuine momentum behind enlargement.

Within the region, Albania and Montenegro are making particularly significant progress. However, we would truly like to see Serbia at the very forefront of that integration process. That is why Italy insists so strongly on Serbia opening new clusters and new negotiating chapters. It is extremely important.

The phased approach is an idea we have discussed extensively. In Italy, we believe that a gradual integration process is very important.

This means that Serbia and other countries in the region should be strongly encouraged to join, for example, the European Union’s single market even before formal accession. That could be a major achievement for the region, a major achievement for Serbia and, ultimately, for the European Union itself."

In Serbia, there is a perception that the rules keep changing when it comes to European integration. In your opinion, how can the trust of Serbian citizens be restored?

"That is indeed a major challenge. I must honestly say that I understand the frustration that exists in Serbia towards the European Union. And not only in Serbia, but particularly in Serbia.

I understand the fact that, over the last ten years, enlargement policy was not a genuine priority for the European Union. I also fully understand that the rules of the game have changed.

At the same time, however, I believe there is a need to rebuild public support for European integration within Serbia. And to achieve that, we must first demonstrate to citizens the benefits that the European Union brings.

In my opinion, the Serbian public is not always fully aware of all the benefits that the European Union already provides to Serbia today, particularly in the areas of the economy, trade and investment."

In the years ahead, what should Serbia do to accelerate towards EU membership?

"Serbia needs to adopt reforms and implement the European Union’s reform agenda. This means that, in the coming weeks, it should finalise, for example, the adoption of legislation related to the implementation of ODIHR recommendations. Those recommendations particularly concern the electoral process.

However, Serbia also has a highly ambitious reform plan, especially regarding the rule of law. There are many reforms that need to be implemented. And this is in Serbia’s own interest, not only in the interest of the European Union.

It is important for strengthening its institutions and delivering tangible benefits to the public and the citizens of Serbia."

You have been in Serbia for four years. What have you learned about Serbia that you did not expect before arriving?

"There is one thing that continues to surprise me time and again. It is the ability of Serbian people to speak Italian.

Indeed, whenever I travel around Serbia and speak with people, I encounter a large number of Serbs who speak Italian. They have learned the language in many different ways - not only through courses or studies in Italy, but also because they work with Italian companies, have relatives living in Italy, or have a spouse or another family member from Italy.

I am truly impressed by the affection that exists for Italy. And equally by the affection for the Italian language in Serbia."

The Festival of Italian Creativity in Serbia

The Play With It project brought together Serbian and Italian artists, educators and creatives. Do you believe that cultural exchange can sometimes achieve what politics alone cannot?

"Cultural contacts are extremely important in themselves. We believe in cultural diplomacy, which is why Play With It, the Festival of Italian Creativity in Serbia, is so important.

Every year, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs selects three cities around the world to become capitals of Italian creativity. For 2026, Belgrade was chosen, and we are very proud of that.

The concept of the festival is based on play. We play with Italy, but also with music, sport, technology and food. We have organised many different events.

In the coming period, another important event dedicated to technological innovation will take place. An Italy–Serbia Innovation Forum will be organised."

(EUpravo zato)