Italian Republic Day – Editorial by Ambassador Castellani
On June 2, 1946, millions of Italians—for the first time, including women —were called to the polls to choose between monarchy and republic. This foundational date marks the transition from a monarchy, deeply affected by war, to a new Italy: democratic, constitutional, founded on labor, and committed to multilateralism and Euro-Atlantic integration as cornerstones of its foreign policy.
This day is not only a remembrance of the past but also a reflection on the present and future. In an international context marked by geopolitical instability, conflicts in our neighborhood, and growing economic challenges, Italy positions itself as an actor of stability, growth, dialogue, and cooperation, both within the European Union and in the broader Euro-Mediterranean and Balkan framework.
Italy’s support for the EU enlargement process towards the Balkans is a concrete demonstration of this commitment. Italy firmly believes that the continent’s stability, security, and prosperity must pass through the European integration of the region. In this spirit, also within the “Friends of the Western Balkans” format, Rome continues to promote an inclusive and realistic path for candidate countries, offering political, technical, and economic support.
Bosnia and Herzegovina must be ready to make courageous choices: to carry out the reforms required by the EU, strengthen its common institutions, and consolidate the rule of law. A strong will from the Bosnian-Herzegovinian political class is needed. Citizens, especially young people, believe in it: they want a European future, made of economic welfare, work, and freedom.
The phrase by Alexander Langer, Italian pacifist and environmentalist politician—and honorary citizen of Sarajevo—“Europe will be reborn or will die in Sarajevo,” is more relevant than ever after 30 years. Europe is reborn where identities, cultures, and religions coexist. Where diversity is recognized as a richness and not as a threat.
Italy views with concern the recent initiatives undertaken by the Republika Srpska: secessionist rhetoric and questioning of the constitutional order go against the European path. The sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutional order, and international legal personality of BiH must be respected. At the same time, Italy supports the mission of the High Representative in implementing the 5+2 Agenda and reaffirms its unequivocal commitment to BiH’s Euro-Atlantic perspective as a single, united, and sovereign country.
Italy actively participates in the EUFOR Althea Mission, contributing with its own military contingent to the country’s stability and security. I take this opportunity to express my esteem and gratitude to the Italian military personnel serving in BiH.
Italy’s presence in BiH is not only diplomatic. It is made of faces, stories, and relationships. I was struck by the genuine affection that many Bosnian-Herzegovinian citizens express towards our country. It is a sentiment rooted in historical, cultural, and human ties, made of mutual curiosity, an instinctive familiarity that sometimes seems to live independently of political relations.
Many signs of Italian presence I have found in the country’s places and in people’s stories, often accompanied by feelings of gratitude towards Italy. It was in the 1990s, during the war, that this bond was deeply strengthened: Italy welcomed over 70,000 refugees from BiH and promoted an extraordinary mobilization of civil society, with thousands of volunteers, activists, and ordinary citizens who sought to bring relief in what was perceived as “a war on our doorstep.” The memory of Italian civilian and military victims reminds us that we cannot be spectators: we must be part of history, build bridges, choose solidarity.
Even today, dozens of Italian municipalities are twinned with cities and towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These twinnings are not empty formulas: they are living bridges, made of projects, school exchanges, cultural and social cooperation. They are stories that speak of reconciliation, shared memory, but also of the future. The success of new air routes to and from Italy, as well as the numerous students who visit here every year, also testify to the curiosity with which Italians look at BiH, attracted precisely by its multiculturalism, its complex history, and its beauty.
Italy’s presence also includes Development Cooperation, active here in many sectors, such as health, assistance to migrants, enhancement of natural and cultural heritage, promotion of sustainable tourism, support for reconciliation processes. Thanks to the commitment of our NGOs—some of which have never ceased operations since the end of the war—nurseries, centers for vulnerable individuals, economic activities, micro-credit projects, and hospitality initiatives have been established. Furthermore, thanks to European funds, we help BiH’s public administration align with EU standards, even in crucial sectors such as police cooperation and the fight against corruption.
Economy also plays a key role. Italy is the leading exporting country to BiH and the second trade partner. Our companies, large and small, create employment and innovation in many sectors, such as textiles, agri-food, steel, and mechanical industries. Two major Italian banks contribute to the solidity and reliability of the financial and credit system. The Mostar Economic Fair, where last April Italy was selected as partner country, showcased the potential of this collaboration. And now, with the Association of Italian Enterprises in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we aim to create a stable platform for dialogue and common growth.
Italian culture, bearer of a universal language, is another pillar of our presence and, as such, a true bridge of dialogue between the various souls of BiH, thanks also to the unanimous appreciation it enjoys in all its expressions. Several cultural diplomacy initiatives have been organized in recent months and are planned in the coming weeks: among them, the concert of internationally renowned pianist Leonora Armellini and that of the famous flautist Andrea Griminelli, who will return to Sarajevo after performing there 30 years ago in the famous concert conducted by Maestro Riccardo Muti. Also planned are sports diplomacy initiatives, which we particularly value: an opportunity will be offered by the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, allowing us to recall the Sarajevo Games of 1984.
We also continue to support the Ars Aevi project, the future contemporary art museum of Sarajevo, which represents the multicultural soul of the city. Italy was the first to respond to the organizers’ call, with works donated by great artists like Michelangelo Pistoletto and with the support of architect Renzo Piano for the museum’s design. We want to see it realized: it will be a symbol of rebirth and dialogue.
A thought also goes to our community in BiH: about 1,200 Italian citizens and dual citizens. They are a precious resource, keeping alive the ties between our peoples: to them, too, I extend my best wishes for our Republic Day.
Finally, thanks for the warm welcome I received upon my arrival in this beautiful country: I have met wonderful people, with great hearts, strength of spirit, and generosity, who made me feel at home from the very beginning.
Long live Italy. Long live Bosnia and Herzegovina. Long live the friendship between our peoples!
