Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Belgrade highlights industrial cooperation between the two countries, represented by the vitality of the Italian system — further demonstrated by Itelyum’s recent acquisition in Serbia of Jakob Becker, bringing its expertise in circular waste management.
Belgrade, January 31, 2025 – Belgrade today hosted a new edition of the Serbia–Italy Business Forum, a major European event aimed at promoting trade development across the Balkans. Within the framework of the bilateral meeting between the two governments, Italian industrial excellence was showcased — including Itelyum, a European leader in sustainable waste management and resource valorization.
Recently, Itelyum acquired Jakob Becker d.o.o. Serbia, one of the country’s leading operators in the management of both hazardous and non-hazardous industrial waste. The Serbian company has a solid infrastructure for the collection, storage, and export notification of industrial and hazardous waste, particularly when alternative local treatment solutions are unavailable. Its facility in Ruma, located in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina about 60 km northeast of Belgrade, serves as a strategic hub in a region with a high concentration of industrial plants.
The prestigious event — organized by ICE Agency in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Embassy of Italy in Belgrade, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia — underscores the strengthening of bilateral economic relations between Serbia and Italy. The presence of Minister Antonio Tajani highlighted the importance of industrial cooperation between the two nations.
Among the highlights of the Forum was a round table on circular economy and energy transition, featuring the participation of Itelyum. Marco Codognola, CEO of Itelyum and a leading Italian voice in the recycling sector, emphasized that Serbia represents a strategic market for Italian exports in Central and Eastern Europe, with a steady growth trend. Italy is among Serbia’s top trading partners, preceded only by Germany and China.
“We are proud to represent here the Italian model of excellence in recycling,” said Marco Codognola. “Our circular and sustainable approach drives us to expand our business beyond national borders, into areas that are dynamic and ready to embrace new industrial challenges — challenges centered on a virtuous path of economic and environmental decarbonization. From extracting value from waste within a true circular economy framework, to treating industrial water and reclaiming contaminated land, today, together with our Serbian colleagues and state agencies from both countries, we are taking a significant step forward in this direction.”
The Forum fostered exchanges between experts and decision-makers from both countries, promoting skills, innovation, and partnership. The next goal is to facilitate the signing of new cooperation agreements between Italian and Serbian authorities and businesses, further consolidating their bilateral economic relationship.