Italy’s Meloni Meets Serbian President in EU Integration Push
(MENAFN) Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade on Tuesday afternoon, underscoring Italy’s renewed diplomatic campaign to draw Serbia closer to the European Union.
Rome is positioning itself as a central actor in the Balkans, capitalizing on historic ties and infrastructure initiatives like the Pan-European Corridor 10—a key transport artery linking Austria to Greece through Serbia.
Vucic shared news of the visit via Instagram, calling it a demonstration of trust and mutual vision for a united Europe, as well as a powerful affirmation of support for Serbia.
Talks primarily revolved around Serbia’s EU membership aspirations and its growing engagement with NATO. Meloni had previously visited Belgrade in late 2023, where she and Vucic discussed regional dynamics, geopolitical shifts, bilateral relations, and Serbia’s European path.
Vucic wrote on Instagram that Serbia deeply values "its relations with Italy, not only as a political partner, but also as a true friend who understands our values, traditions, and aspirations. Serbia and Italy stand shoulder to shoulder on the path of development and stability for the entire region.”
Italy views the Western Balkans as critical to shaping future EU policy, particularly on energy routes, migration control along the Balkan corridor, and regional security—areas where Italy aims to assert itself as a stabilizing force.
Meloni’s visit comes against a backdrop of wider global unrest, including conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and unresolved Serbia–Kosovo tensions. The trip, delayed from January due to internal political disruptions in Serbia, marks a renewed effort by Italy to reestablish constructive dialogue.
Serbia remains strategically important for several reasons: advancing reforms aligned with EU standards, promoting regional economic integration, bolstering defense cooperation, and curbing irregular migration into Europe via the Balkans.
Italy’s foreign policy also seeks to curb increasing Russian and Chinese influence in the Western Balkans. This aligns with NATO priorities, particularly the stabilization of flashpoints like Kosovo.
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