History teaches us the strategic importance that this region has for our security. Therefore, the international dynamics we are facing highlight even more the geopolitical importance of the Western Balkans for the whole of Europe, especially for neighboring countries like Italy.

From the first day of my mandate, I have been committed to promoting Italian diplomatic activity beyond the Adriatic. For Italy, the Balkans constitute an undeniable future. Our history, our culture, and our economy bind us inextricably to this area; a bond forged over centuries. We are aware that the challenges we have to face, from the energy crisis to the fight against illegal immigration, require common approaches and solutions. Aiming to strengthen Italy’s partnership with the Western Balkans means investing for the future.

The final stabilization of the situation in the Western Balkans goes through a strong connection with the European Union and its values. Italy is fully convinced and committed to the front line in Brussels to guarantee concrete developments in this direction. Enlargement should continue to dynamically support the reform agenda of the countries of the region. We have already achieved an important result at the European Council in December when, precisely thanks to the active role of Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina was recognized as a candidate country in the EU.

The next step that must be taken is the acceleration of the region’s integration into the European Union. And, to achieve this, we must support its socioeconomic growth.

On the economic level, the transfer of valid economic models, driven by the COVID pandemic, constitutes a significant opportunity for enterprises. According to World Bank estimates, in the first half of 2022, the economy of the region has recorded significant growth, beyond expectations, as a result of the increase in consumption and investments. With a GDP growth of +3.4%, the Balkan performance has exceeded that of the Eurozone (+2.5).

With a program of 30 billion euros, dedicated to economic growth and investments in the Western Balkans, the European Union aims to develop and modernize infrastructure and regional networks, to the benefit of the green and digital transition, in support of Small and Medium Enterprises as well as of youth enterprises.

Our companies have all the possibilities to play this match as a starter. From financial services to mechanical services, from the automotive sector to the energy sector, our companies already provide a significant contribution to the level of employment in the region. This presence should be strengthened more.

Enterprises can fully rely on the Government and institutions. Therefore, for this reason, I decided to organize in Trieste, on January 24, a national conference on the partnership between Italy and the Balkans, to share objectives and operational tools and make them available to our operators, evaluating the concrete opportunities that cooperation with these countries can offer to “Sistema Italia”.

The Trieste meeting will be a moment of confrontation and dialogue between the Government and the national manufacturing enterprises, to design together an organic, ambitious, and wide-ranging strategy. We start from Trieste and Friuli Venezia Giulia, an area that has always been a bridge between Italy and the territories wetted by the Danube and the Balkans, able to assert itself in international markets thanks to the vision and innovative spirit of its enterprises.

The January 24 conference will be just the beginning. The first operational step is planned to be taken in March in Belgrade, with the organization of the Italy-Serbia Business Forum, which will be followed by a high-level political meeting in Rome with our regional partners as well as a conference on Corridor VIII. The development of the economy in the Western Balkans is to the benefit of all of Europe, and above all, to the benefit of peace in Europe.

*Antonio Tajani is Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Italy