The Adriatic Ionian Initiative expresses its profound sadness at the passing of Ambassador Fabio Pigliapoco.
During his years of service, both as Secretary General of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative and later as Head of its Permanent Secretariat, based in Ancona, Ambassador Pigliapoco devoted his work to strengthening cooperation, cohesion and mutual understanding across the Adriatic-Ionian region.
Throughout his professional life, he worked tirelessly to promote a prosperous, stable and cohesive Adriatic-Ionian area, firmly believing in dialogue as the primary tool to foster peace, trust and cooperation among countries. He distinguished himself for his ability to build bridges between institutions and nations, encouraging constructive dialogue and a long-term vision for the region.
A strong advocate of European integration, Ambassador Pigliapoco consistently supported the European perspective of the Western Balkans, viewing enlargement not only as a strategic priority, but also as a moral and political responsibility for the future of Europe.
Beyond his institutional roles, he will be remembered as a man of high values, integrity and profound humanity, who left a lasting mark on the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative and on all those who had the privilege to work with him.
The Adriatic-Ionian Initiative extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
L’Iniziativa Adriatico Ionica esprime il proprio profondo cordoglio per la scomparsa dell’Ambasciatore Fabio Pigliapoco.
Nel corso degli anni, sia nel ruolo di Segretario Generale dell’Iniziativa Adriatico-Ionica sia successivamente come Capo del Segretariato Permanente, con sede ad Ancona, l’Ambasciatore Pigliapoco ha dedicato il proprio impegno al rafforzamento della cooperazione, della coesione e della comprensione reciproca nella regione adriatico-ionica.
Nel corso della sua vita professionale ha lavorato instancabilmente per promuovere un’area adriatico-ionica prospera, stabile e coesa, credendo fermamente nel dialogo come principale strumento per favorire la pace, la fiducia e la cooperazione tra i Paesi. Si è distinto per la sua capacità di costruire ponti tra istituzioni e nazioni, incoraggiando un dialogo costruttivo e una visione di lungo periodo per la regione.
Convinto sostenitore dell’integrazione europea, l’Ambasciatore Pigliapoco ha costantemente supportato la prospettiva europea dei Balcani occidentali, considerandone l’allargamento non solo una priorità strategica, ma anche una responsabilità morale e politica per il futuro dell’Europa.
Oltre ai ruoli istituzionali ricoperti, sarà ricordato come un uomo di grandi valori, integrità e profonda umanità, che ha lasciato un segno duraturo nell’Iniziativa Adriatico-Ionica e in tutti coloro che hanno avuto il privilegio di lavorare con lui.
L’Iniziativa Adriatico-Ionica rivolge le più sentite condoglianze alla sua famiglia e ai suoi cari.
On 25 November 2025, the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative Permanent Secretariat took part in the first edition of the Western Balkans Promotion Fair, organised by UniAdrion – the Association of Universities of the Adriatic-Ionian Region – and hosted by the Università Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM) in Ancona. The event gathered more than 20 universities from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia, together with students engaged in Erasmus+ mobility across the macro-region. Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to join country-focused sessions, visit information stands, exchange with peers, and explore new opportunities for mobility and academic cooperation.
The Fair opened with institutional remarks delivered first by the UNIVPM Vice-Rector, who welcomed participants and underlined the university’s strong commitment to fostering international cooperation. This was followed by an address from Prof. Aleksander Ivanov, Vice-Rector of the University “St. Kliment Ohridski” of Bitola, who stressed the importance of mobility programmes for the Western Balkans and for advancing the region’s European perspective. Ms. Eleonora Tramannoni, Secretary General of the Forum of the Adriatic and Ionian Chambers of Commerce, then highlighted the role of the business sector and the value of developing cross-border skills. Finally, Ms. Ava Ghasemi, President of ESN Student Network, emphasised the crucial contribution of Erasmus+ exchanges in promoting inclusion, youth engagement and intercultural understanding.
Representing the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, Executive Officer Filippo Alabardi delivered the institutional greetings on behalf of the AII Secretariat. In his address, he recalled the mission of the Initiative and underlined its long-standing partnership with UniAdrion and the academic community. He noted several concrete achievements resulting from this cooperation, such as AII-supported scholarships for students from participating countries, the establishment of the Adriatic Ionian Cooperation Chair at UNIVPM, and the Western Balkanships mobility programme implemented with UniAdrion and the Forum of Chambers of Commerce, which has enabled students to undertake internships across the region. These initiatives, he affirmed, reflect a shared conviction that supporting youth, education and mobility is essential for building a more connected and forward-looking Adriatic-Ionian Region.
Mr. Alabardi also recalled the upcoming AII Annual Round Table on Inter-University Cooperation, to be held on 4 December 2025 at the University “St. Kliment Ohridski” of Bitola under the AII Chairmanship of North Macedonia. He also welcomed the significant contribution of universities, cities and chambers of commerce in the framework of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR).. The AII expresses its appreciation to UniAdrion, UNIVPM, the participating universities and student organisations for the successful organisation of this edition of the Western Balkans Promotion Fair and looks forward to continuing to support initiatives that bring together young people, academic institutions and stakeholders across the Region.
