Political relations
Bilateral relations between the Republic of Serbia and the Italian Republic are highly developed and dynamic, with no outstanding issues. Cooperation with the Italian Republic functions effectively across numerous fields and at various levels, including defence, internal affairs, justice, agriculture, healthcare, culture and tourism, among others, with economic cooperation between the two countries being particularly well-developed.
The strategic partnership between the Republic of Serbia and the Italian Republic was established at the first joint session of the two governments, held in Rome in 2009. The second joint session was held in Belgrade in 2012, and the third in Ancona in 2013.
To date, four rounds of bilateral political consultations have been held between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic, as well as three business forums.
The Italian Republic consistently and unconditionally supports further progress by the Republic of Serbia in the European integration process.
The most recent official visit to the Italian Republic by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia was undertaken by Minister Marko Đurić on 23 and 24 July 2024. The most recent official visit to the Republic of Serbia by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic was undertaken by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Antonio Tajani in November 2022. Minister Antonio Tajani visited Belgrade on 31 January 2025 to participate in the third Serbia–Italy Business Forum. On that occasion, he met with the then President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, and attended a working lunch with Minister Marko Đurić.
The Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, Giorgia Meloni, paid an official visit to the Republic of Serbia on 3 December 2023, during which she held a tête-à-tête meeting with the then President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also visited the Republic of Serbia on 5 August 2025, when she met with the then President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić.
The Italian Republic has confirmed its participation in the Specialised Expo 2027 in Belgrade.
Economic relations
Italy is one of the leading trading partners of Serbia for years. In 2022 Italy was the third foreign trade partner of Serbia, the third biggest export market for serbian goods, the fourth biggest partner in import, the twelfth market for placement of services from Serbia and the twelfth biggest foreign investor.
According to the data of the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, total trade in goods with the Italy in 2025 amounted to EUR 5.0 billion, of which exports from the Serbia accounted for EUR 2.2 billion, while imports amounted to EUR 2.8 billion.
The biggest italian investors are currently employing in Serbia 22 thousand workers and with cooperants the number of them are about 50 thousand. Some of the major investors are FCA, Intesa Sanpaolo, UnipolSai S.p.A./DDOR Novi Sad, Calzedonia, Vibac,Generali Group, Valy - Golden Lady, Benetton Group, Fulgar, Pompea.
Bilateral agreements
A total of 180 agreements between the Republic of Serbia and the Italian Republic are currently in force. The most important ones include:
- Joint Declaration on the Initiation of the Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Serbia and the Italian Republic, signed on: 13/11/2009;
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of the Italian Republic on cooperation in the field of defence, entry into force: 30/12/2019;
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of the Italian Republic on cooperation in the field of culture and education, entry into force: 01/05/2013;
Contact information
Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Rome: https://roma.mfa.gov.rs/
Italian Embassy in Belgrade: https://ambbelgrado.esteri.it/ambasciata_belgrado/sr
Department for Neighbouring and South East Europe Countries: Phone: +381 11 306 8280, e-mail: osz@mfa.rs