Emanuele Giaufret's departure from Serbia is part of the European External Action Service (EEAS) rotation. Although it has not yet been officially confirmed what his next role will be, he is expected to continue his career within European institutions.
The Head of the European Union Delegation to Serbia, Emanuele Giaufret, is nearing the end of his term and is planning farewell visits to the country's highest officials. In line with standard EU diplomatic practice, ambassadorial terms last around three years, and Giaufret took up this post in August 2021.
His departure from Serbia is part of the regular EEAS rotation, and while his next assignment has not been officially announced, it is anticipated that he will remain within the framework of EU institutions.
During his term, Giaufret played an active role in key aspects of Serbia’s EU integration and in strengthening its relations with the EU. His diplomatic tenure was defined by his strong advocacy for reforms, the Belgrade - Pristina dialogue, and tangible support for projects to help bring Serbia closer to EU standards.
Energy security and the green transition
Ambassador Giaufret was a key EU voice supporting Serbia's energy independence and sustainable transition. Under his mandate, the construction of the gas interconnector between Serbia and Bulgaria was launched and supported, enabling diversification of natural gas supply - a tangible step towards reducing dependence on Russian energy sources.
Furthermore, the EU provided extra assistance to Serbian citizens in coping with the energy crisis, and Giaufret was a frequent supporter of initiatives promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency.
The EU’s commitment to supporting Serbia’s green transition, along with the importance of reforms and political will for implementing environmental policies, was evident through various projects supported by the Union.
"The EU, through the Green Deal, has the strongest environmental legislation, but its implementation requires functional institutions and qualified professionals. The EU is already investing in projects such as wastewater treatment plants in several cities and has allocated €582 million in non-repayable aid for environmental protection in Serbia. Through the Green Agenda, the goal is to transition to renewable energy sources, preserve natural resources, and develop sustainable agriculture," the ambassador stated on one occasion.
Additionally, Giaufret underlined that the EU co-finances innovative projects in the fields of decarbonisation and the circular economy, showing that the green transition in Serbia is already taking concrete form.
EU enlargement is the most significant step
Support for Serbia on its EU path was a consistent focus of the outgoing ambassador's office and is considered one of the most significant areas of his work during his term in the country. At the business summit of the Council of European Business Associations and Chambers of Commerce, held in May this year, he stated that "the EU is committed to Serbia's accession and that further reforms are key to its progress," adding that Serbia offers expertise and a strategic location for investment and innovation.
EU enlargement is no longer regarded as merely a political promise, but as a geopolitical imperative and strategic priority, a message conveyed not only by Giaufret but also by other European officials, who stressed that there are no shortcuts: the only path to EU membership is through reforms.
"There is no fixed calendar for accession, but the path is clear. The speed of joining depends solely on the pace of reforms. If candidate countries meet the required reforms, especially in the areas of the rule of law and democratic governance, the EU will respond. Today, we truly see genuine political momentum for EU enlargement towards the Western Balkans, but it won’t last forever. That is why leaders need to seize the moment and accelerate reforms. The doors are more open than ever, but someone still needs to walk through them. If readiness were measured solely by ambition, some countries would already be members. In practical terms, some are further ahead than others, but Serbia, with its size and resources, has every chance to be a frontrunner," he said in an interview for NIN.
He also addressed the issue of enlargement during a panel discussion titled "From Poland to Denmark: A Joint Path in Extraordinary Times," on the occasion of the recent handover of the EU Council Presidency from Poland to Denmark.
"During Poland’s presidency, which will hand over the role to Denmark on 1 July, significant progress was made regarding EU enlargement towards the Western Balkans. I am confident Denmark will do the same," the ambassador said.
According to him, Serbia’s progress towards the EU advancements is expected in the rule of law, media freedom, and electoral reform.
"We want to see progress in regional relations and with Kosovo, and in particular to see progress in the rule of law, then we can move forward," said Giaufret.
In this area, particular emphasis is placed on continuing the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and the full implementation of all agreements, including the 2011 Freedom of Movement accord, underscoring that without this, progress isn't possible.
Reforms in the rule of law and media freedom
Giaufret consistently underlined the importance of the rule of law, an independent judiciary, the fight against corruption, and media freedom as key conditions for Serbia’s EU accession. He regularly commented on the need for full implementation of laws and reform measures, pointing out the significance of transparency and accountability.
"We believe that human dignity, freedom, the quality of democracy and the rule of law are at the core of what we want to be and what we are, and are the four essential elements for building trust and unity among our peoples," Giaufret said at the end of last year during European Week.
He also emphasised that in the EU accession process, civil society, media, and the rule of law are fundamental, and that combating corruption and organised crime, judicial independence, and the existence of independent media remain key elements for progress in accession negotiations.
He also took part in the political dialogue with Serbian institutions, particularly in the context of improving the electoral process and freedom of expression.
Protection of cultural heritage and development of tourism
Since taking office in 2021, EU Ambassador to Serbia Emanuele Giaufret has overseen increased cooperation in cultural heritage protection and tourism development. Backed by EU pre-accession funds (IPA), numerous projects have supported the restoration of historical landmarks and the growth of cultural tourism, especially in local communities beyond Serbia’s main economic hubs.
Much of this support focused on the reconstruction and revitalisation of related to the reconstruction and revitalisation of fortresses and religious sites of great historical and cultural importance for Serbia’s identity. In this context, the EU financed:
· Reconstruction of the Bač fortress, part of a cultural route and the historical heritage of Vojvodina;
· Restoration of the Fetislam fortress near Kladovo, on the banks of the Danube, with potential to become an important tourist destination;
· Restoration of the Golubac fortress, one of the most famous medieval fortifications in Serbia, located at the entrance to the Iron Gate Gorge;
· Renovation of the synagogue in Subotica, one of the most beautiful examples of Art Nouveau architecture in the region, and a symbol of multiculturalism in northern Bačka.
These projects are not only investments in physical infrastructure but also in the preservation of collective memory, cultural diversity, and local tradition. At the same time, they encourage cultural and sustainable tourism as a means of economic revitalisation of local communities, especially in less developed municipalities, where such projects present opportunities for employment, the development of small businesses, and regional promotion.
Ambassador Giaufret repeatedly emphasised that culture and heritage preservation are bridges connecting Serbia and the European Union. According to him, cultural cooperation not only contributes to better understanding and appreciation of shared values but also directly benefits citizens through strengthening local communities, improving quality of life, and preserving identity.
EU support in these areas is delivered through various programmes, including IPA funds, EU PRO Plus, IPARD, and cross-border cooperation projects, which further strengthen regional ties and promote cultural exchange. In this way, the EU strategically combines the preservation of cultural wealth with sustainable development, tourism, and economic inclusion, contributing to Serbia’s European integration process.
Support for economic development and EU investments
Giaufret actively promoted and implemented projects from the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, through which several billion euros were made available to Serbia for infrastructure projects. These include the modernisation of the Belgrade–Niš railway line, the construction of the Niš–Merdare motorway section, and plans for the children's hospital "Tiršova 2".
Through these investments, the EU not only strengthened the economy but also tangibly improved citizens’ lives, which Giaufret repeatedly highlighted as a core value of the European integration process.
(EUpravo zato.rs)
