Italian Vice‑Prime Minister Matteo Salvinì visits Serbia to discuss EU accession and rail projects

Italian Vice‑Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvinì made his first official visit to Serbia, meeting President Aleksandar Vučić and senior government officials. The talks focused on deepening economic cooperation, reviving the Belgrade–Tirš railway corridor to strengthen Serbia’s link to a major EU port, and supporting Serbia’s bid for European Union membership.

Salvinì also toured the construction site of the Expo 2027 complex, calling Belgrade a “dynamic and modern capital” and emphasizing the event’s potential to attract new investments and expand the presence of Italian companies in the Serbian market. He urged that Serbia be granted EU accession “without double standards and shortcuts for Ukraine,” criticizing what he described as unequal treatment by Brussels.

The visit highlights the strategic partnership between Italy and Serbia on the Balkans and underlines ongoing infrastructure initiatives that could boost regional connectivity and trade.