Italy and Hungary have traditionally enjoyed close economic and cultural relations over the centuries that have had a significant impact on the economy, culture and people’s lives.
ITL Group has always been supporting the development of the economic relationship between the two countries. In our interview we asked o the italian embassy to share their perspectives about the common and future goals of the relationship between Italy and Hungary, and the role Italy plays in the various of cooperation between the two states
His Excellency, Dr. Manuel Jacoangeli, Italy’s Ambassador in Hungary since 2021, kindly agreed to talk about the close diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries. We would like to thank Dr. Manuel Jacoangeli for taking the time to answer our questions.
Could you briefly summarize Italy’s role in the region and its relationship with Hungary?
Italy has played a significant role in the region in promoting democracy and stability. In particular, as a country member of the European Union, has worked closely with other western countries to support democratic reforms and economic development. In terms of its relationship with Hungary, since the establishment of our diplomatic relations, we have cooperated on various issues of mutual interest, including trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Could you elaborate on the diplomatic engagements between Italy and Hungary and the common foreign policy goals?
Italy and Hungary have always had diplomatic engagements on various levels, including bilateral meetings between leaders, regular consultations between foreign ministries, and participation in multilateral organizations, such as the EU and NATO, and within international organizations.
One of the common foreign policy goals shared by Italy and Hungary is to preserve political stability and economic growth. Both countries support EU integration and cooperation in the field of defense and security. As members of NATO, for instance, we have contributed troops to various missions and operations and we also cooperate and engage in constructive dialogue in other areas.
Talking about bilateral relations, what are the main sectors of cooperation between Italy and Hungary?
Trade and investment are one of the main areas of cooperation between our countries. Italy is one of Hungary’s largest trading partners, and Italian companies have invested heavily in Hungary.
Culture is also an important area of cooperation. Our countries have a long history of cultural exchange. For example, there are regular exhibitions, concerts, and film festivals organized in both countries to promote mutual understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures. The Italian Cultural Institute in Budapest and the Hungarian Cultural Institute in Rome are also important institutions that promote cultural exchange, other than museums and art galleries, that often offer their collaboration.
In the field of science and technology, there is a collaboration on various research projects, in the areas of energy, environment, other than joint initiatives to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. Italian and Hungarian scientists also collaborate on projects related to the protection of cultural heritage, such as the preservation of historical buildings and artifacts.
Tourism is another area of cooperation between Italy and Hungary. Italy is a popular tourist destination for Hungarians, and many Italians visit Hungary to explore its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
What are the main regional cooperation programs, in which the two countries jointly participate in?
Italy and Hungary participate in various regional cooperation programs, mainly focused on transport, energy, environment, tourism and culture.
Within the Central European Initiative (CEI), the regional intergovernmental organization in which our countries are both members, we promote cooperation among Central and Eastern European countries.
In the Visegrad Group, Italy has observer status. The regional grouping of four Central European countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia) promotes cooperation in various areas, including other than culture, also the areas of policy, economy, and defense.
Italy and Hungary are both members in the regional cooperation platform called “Three Seas Initiative”, which focuses on infrastructure development, energy security, and economic growth in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe that lie between the Baltic, Adriatic, and Black Seas.
Our countries are also both members of the European Union’s Danube Strategy, which aims to promote cooperation and development along the Danube River, which flows through 10 countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
Italy and Hungary are also cooperating within the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, the regional cooperation platform that brings together eight countries of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.
Overall, these regional cooperation programs provide opportunities for Italy and Hungary to work together, with other countries in the region, to promote economic development, democracy, and stability.
Could you elaborate on how Italy and Hungary cooperate in the field of culture, science and education?
Many Italian and Hungarian universities have bilateral agreements that allow students and researchers to study or conduct research at partner institutions. These agreements often provide opportunities for language learning, cultural exchange, and joint research projects.
Italian and Hungarian universities also participated in Erasmus Program, which provides funding for study and research exchanges, as well as for internships and language courses. Universities also participate in the Central European Exchange Program for University Studies (CEEPUS) which provides funding for short-term study exchanges, summer schools, and joint research projects.
Our universities also offer joint Master’s degree programs in various fields, including engineering, economics, and international relations. These programs allow students to study in both countries and receive a joint degree upon completion. There are also several scholarships and grants available to Italian and Hungarian students and researchers who wish to study or conduct research in the other country.
The cultural exchange programs between universities provide valuable opportunities for students and researchers also in order to develop international networks and collaborations. These programs also contribute to the promotion of academic excellence, innovation, and cultural understanding between the two countries.
What are the institutions supporting business development between the two countries (business clubs, trade agencies, governmental offices)?
For a long time, there have been institutions that support business development between Italy and Hungary. In this country we can account on the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the government agency that promotes Italian companies and their products abroad. The ITA office in Budapest provides information and assistance to Italian companies looking to export to Hungary or to establish a presence in the Hungarian market. The ITA also organizes trade fairs and exhibitions to promote Italian products in Hungary.
There is also the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Hungary (CCIU), that as non-profit organization present in the country since 1992, promotes economic and commercial relations between Italy and Hungary. The Chamber provides information, advice, and support to Italian companies looking to invest in Hungary and to Hungarian companies looking to do business with Italy. The CCIU also organizes events and trade missions to facilitate business contacts between Italian and Hungarian companies.
Now, we are attending the launch of Confindustria Ungheria, that will operate in Hungary as international representation of Confindustria Italy, the main association representing manufacturing and service companies in Italy, with a membership of more than 150.000 companies of all sizes.
For the business development between the two countries, there is also the government agency, Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA), which provides information and assistance to foreign companies looking to invest in Hungary. It helps companies with site selection, legal and regulatory issues, and access to incentives and grants. The HIPA also organizes trade missions and investment seminars to promote Hungary as an attractive investment destination.
The above-mentioned institutions play an important role in promoting business development between Italy and Hungary by providing information, advice, and support to companies, as well as by organizing events and trade missions to facilitate business contacts.
Plans for the future?
Italy and Hungary have a long history of cooperation and are expected to continue working together in various areas in the future.
In terms of economic cooperation, Italy and Hungary will likely continue to work together to promote economic development and investment in both countries. On the mutual interest bases, this may involve joint initiatives to attract foreign investment, as well as collaboration in main economic sectors. Italy and Hungary may work together to promote energy security and cooperation in particular in the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Our countries may also collaborate on infrastructure development projects, including transport links, energy infrastructure.
Our countries are also expected to continue promoting cultural, educational exchange, including joint research projects and, within the framework of Regional cooperation, both countries are likely to continue participating in the initiatives already in place, such as the Central European Initiative, Visegrad Group, and Three Seas Initiative, in order to promote stability and economic development in the region.
Overall, there are many areas where Italy and Hungary can collaborate and work together in the future, and it is likely that the two countries will continue to deepen their bilateral relations and strengthen their cooperation in various fields.
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