Tajani leads the fifth meeting of the "Russia Table": strengthened support for Italian businesses.

The fifth meeting of the Working Group on the evolution of the situation of Italian businesses in Russia, chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, was held at the Farnesina. The meeting reaffirmed the Government's continued attention to the Italian business sector, which continues to operate in the Russian market in full compliance with the international sanctions framework.

Sanctions and protection of the Italian economy

One of the central themes addressed during the works concerned theeffective application of European sanctions, necessary to avoid negative or distortive repercussions on the Italian economy. The banking and customs implications of the sanctions regime were analyzed, as well as the operational challenges encountered by companies, especially in payment procedures, goods movement, and authorization management.

Focus on investments, customs and special authorizations

The Round Table also examined the issues related to protection of Italian investments in Russia, as well as the operation of the authorizations issued by the competent national authorities in derogation. These authorizations allow, under certain conditions, the export or import of goods that would otherwise be subject to the ban. The meeting examined specific cases of companies that have encountered obstacles in conducting their business in Russia.

Italy's role in international mediation

In his speech, Minister Tajani recalled Italy's role in coordinating with the United States and in the broader peace mediation process in Ukraine. He reiterated the the Government's firm commitment to protecting the legitimate interests of Italian businesses who operate in Russia, guaranteeing support and practical solutions in line with current regulations and Italian foreign policy.

Concrete solutions: exemptions and financing

Tajani cited some significant examples of the Government's and Italy's actions. Among these, the clause included in the 18th package of European sanctions, which allows Italian companies in the following sectors: food and pharmaceutical packaging to continue exporting to Russia through appropriate authorizations. Further efforts are underway to facilitate subsidized loans to Italian companies that control businesses operating in Russia, an intervention designed to support production activities during a delicate and complex phase.

An increasingly solid public-private collaboration

The meeting was attended by high-profile institutional figures, including Ambassador-designate Stefano Beltrame, representatives of the Customs and Monopolies Agency, the Bank of Italy, the Italian Trade Agency (ICE), as well as numerous trade associations and businesses. The Italian Embassy in Moscow and the country's main business associations, such as GIM Unimpresa, Confindustria Russia, and the Italian-Russian Chamber of Commerce, were also present via video link.

A comparison model destined to continue

The participants expressed unanimous appreciation for this model of structured dialogue between the public and private sectors, considered essential for addressing a complex economic and geopolitical context like Russia's. The Russia Table will continue to meet regularly, serving as a point of reference for monitoring the evolution of the situation and providing timely responses to business needs.