Bilateral Meeting between AII SG and Serbian State Secretary Nevena Jovanović - 18 May 2026, Skopje
On 18 May 2026, in the framework of the 11th EUSAIR Forum held in Skopje, the Secretary General of the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative, Amb. Giovanni Castellaneta, held a bilateral meeting with Nevena Jovanović, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia.
The meeting provided an opportunity for an open and constructive exchange of views on the current geopolitical and international context, as well as on the strategic importance of strengthening regional cooperation in the Adriatic-Ionian area and the Western Balkans.
Particular attention was devoted to the acceleration of the European integration and enlargement process, considered essential for ensuring long-term stability, prosperity and cohesion in the region. In this regard, discussions also focused on the concept of gradual EU integration, as a concrete and pragmatic approach to bringing candidate countries progressively closer to the European Union before full membership.
Connectivity was also identified as a key priority for the region. In this context, the discussion focused on Pillar 2 of the EUSAIR Strategy, coordinated by Serbia and Italy, with particular attention to activities in the field of transport, energy and digital connectivity during the upcoming Italian Presidency of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative and EUSAIR. Ambassador Castellaneta reaffirmed the readiness of the AII Permanent Secretariat to actively engage and provide full support to the implementation of upcoming activities and initiatives under the Pillar.
The parties also reaffirmed the important role played by the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative and the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) in fostering dialogue, connectivity and regional cooperation, while supporting the European perspective of the Western Balkans.
During the meeting, State Secretary Jovanović and Ambassador Castellaneta also discussed the upcoming EXPO 2027, which will take place in Belgrade, underlining its potential importance as a global platform for economic cooperation, innovation and international visibility for Serbia and the wider region.
The meeting confirmed the shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation within the Adriatic-Ionian framework and to promoting a more connected, stable and European-oriented region.