At a time when diplomacy is becoming a tool for economic development and international partnerships, Ukraine’s recovery is bringing together European countries, businesses, and institutions.
Serbia is among the countries that consistently support Ukraine and view its reconstruction as a joint European project. In an exclusive interview for international magazine Business Woman, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Ukraine, Anđon Sapundži, discussed key areas of cooperation, investment opportunities, and the role of business.
— How do you see your country’s role in Ukraine’s recovery process?
Serbia views Ukraine’s recovery as one of the most important European projects of our time. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, we have provided over €62 million in assistance, including humanitarian support and measures aimed at strengthening the energy resilience of communities.
We believe that reconstruction should not only restore damaged infrastructure but also serve as an opportunity to modernise the economy and create new pathways for development. Serbian companies, experts, and educational institutions are ready to contribute to this process.
— What are the key priority areas of cooperation between Ukraine and your country today?
The key priorities include the economy, energy, digital technologies, agriculture, and education. A particularly important step was the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Serbia and Ukraine two weeks ago in Belgrade, during the visit of Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Trade Representative, Taras Kachka. He held meetings with Serbia’s top leadership, including President Aleksandar Vučić, confirming mutual interest in deepening economic cooperation.
A Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in European integration was also signed, opening new opportunities for the exchange of reform experience, legal harmonisation, and engagement with European institutions.
Inter-institutional cooperation is also developing actively. Of particular importance is the dialogue between the Speakers of the parliaments of Serbia and Ukraine, Ana Brnabić and Ruslan Stefanchuk, as well as between the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by Marko Čadež and the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by GennadiyChyzhykov. These links strengthen trust and practical cooperation between our countries.
Historically, our nations are also connected: in the 18th century, around 30,000 Serbs settled in the territories of New Serbia and Slavo-Serbia, while the Ukrainian community has contributed significantly to the development of Vojvodina. This shared heritage remains an important foundation of mutual understanding.
— How is international diplomacy changing in response to the war in Ukraine?
Diplomacy is becoming multidimensional, extending beyond political dialogue to include energy security, reconstruction, digital transformation, and investment. In this context, maintaining open channels of communication and the ability to engage in dialogue even in difficult times has become essential.
— What is your country’s position on mechanisms for compensation for damages caused to Ukraine?
Serbia believes that all compensation mechanisms must be based on international law and broad international consensus. At the same time, it is crucial to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective management of resources dedicated to Ukraine’s recovery.
Given the unprecedented scale of the challenges, these mechanisms must be long-term, sustainable, and internationally coordinated, involving states, financial institutions, and the private sector.
— Do you see potential for greater involvement of your country’s business sector in Ukraine’s reconstruction?
Yes, and this potential is significant. Serbian companies have strong experience in construction, energy, infrastructure, engineering, and IT. There is already clear interest from the business community in participating in future reconstruction projects in Ukraine.
It is important to further develop direct connections between entrepreneurs, chambers of commerce, and investment institutions. These links form the foundation for long-term partnerships and sustainable economic relations between our countries.
— What opportunities does Ukraine offer to foreign investors today, despite the challenges of war?
Ukraine has strong human capital, a high level of education, and significant innovative potential. Despite the challenges of war, it continues to develop key sectors of its economy.
The most attractive areas for investors include IT, agriculture, logistics, energy, and future infrastructure modernisation projects. Importantly, international business increasingly views Ukraine not only through the lens of risk but also as a country with strong long-term potential after the war.
— How do you assess the role of women in modern diplomacy and in state recovery processes?
Ukraine demonstrates strong female leadership in public administration, diplomacy, business, and civil society. Women play an important role in strengthening resilience and supporting national development.
Women’s entrepreneurship is particularly dynamic, not only sustaining economic activity but also creating new businesses and expanding into international markets. Ensuring access to finance, education, and global networks is a key element of recovery.
— How important is it today to develop international business and educational initiatives and partnerships?
International educational and business partnerships are of strategic importance. In today’s economy, competitiveness is increasingly defined by knowledge, innovation, and the ability to cooperate.
Joint programmes between universities, business schools, and companies help develop a new generation of globally minded professionals and entrepreneurs. It is particularly important to support young people and women entrepreneurs in integrating into international economic networks and building long-term partnerships.
— How do you see Ukraine within the European community in 5–10 years?
Ukraine already demonstrates exceptional resilience and transformation capacity. In 5–10 years, I see it as one of the key countries in Europe—modern, innovative, and economically competitive.
After the war, Ukraine has all the prerequisites to become one of the drivers of economic growth and innovation in Europe. Its human potential and entrepreneurial energy provide a strong foundation for this future.
Serbia supports Ukraine’s European path and is ready to share its experience from the accession negotiation process. Our countries share a common interest in a stable and prosperous Europe.
Read also: Ukrainian Children in Slovenia: A Week That Gave Hope, Warmth, and Faith
Photo: provided by the subject of the article