This interview is part of the Mediterranean Voices series, a new communication initiative of Federation of Mediterranean Certified Accountants (FCM).
The objective of this series is to:
Today with Dr. Luigi Alfredo Carunchio, President APRI International by Fondazione Confprofessioni, Italy.
Please briefly introduce yourself.
My name is Luigi Alfredo Carunchio and I am a chartered accountant and statutory auditor with almost thirty years of professional experience. I graduated in Economics from the University of Bologna and have dedicated my career to supporting businesses and professionals in navigating complex regulatory, fiscal and international environments.
I am a founding partner of Valore Associati, a multidisciplinary consulting firm based in Abruzzo with offices in Milan and Tuscany, offering advisory services in corporate law, tax, business strategy and EU contract management. In parallel, I have always invested time in training and capacity building for my peers, serving as lecturer on European contract law, internationalisation processes and innovative topics such as blockchain and transfer pricing.
Today, I am proud to serve as Chairman of APRI International, an organisation deeply committed to strengthening the global presence of liberal professionals and fostering international partnerships across Europe and beyond. From November 2024, I am the Secretary General of Confprofessioni the main Italian organisation representing liberal professionals.
How would you describe your organization’s role within the accountancy profession and the Mediterranean community?
APRI International is, in essence, a catalyst for the international growth of the liberal professions. We design strategies, create institutional bridges and provide technical support to help professional organisations expand their reach and seize new opportunities abroad.
In the Mediterranean context, our role is to build concrete connections between professionals and key stakeholders — chambers of commerce, diplomatic networks, EU institutions and trade agencies — so that our members can operate confidently across borders.
By organising international missions, such as recent delegations to the United States, Asia and the Middle East, and by promoting high-level events like the Annual International Meeting (AIM) in Rome, we offer a platform for dialogue and exchange that helps strengthen the competitiveness and visibility of Mediterranean professionals on the global stage.
In your view, what are the main challenges and opportunities currently facing the accountancy profession?
The profession is living through a moment of profound transformation driven by digital disruption, the widespread integration of AI tools and the growing pressure to align with global sustainability frameworks. Accountants face the daily challenge of staying up to date in an environment where technical skills alone are no longer sufficient — we must be proactive partners for companies and institutions, capable of translating complex regulatory frameworks into actionable strategies. At the same time, this is a unique opportunity to reposition our role: digitalisation and ESG reporting open doors for accountants to step into more advisory, managerial and policy-oriented functions. By embracing these changes, we can strengthen our relevance and ensure that our profession continues to add tangible value to businesses and society.
AIM2025 audience
How is your organization preparing its members for technological developments such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, and ESG?
One of APRI International’s main priorities is to provide forward-looking training and knowledge transfer opportunities. For example, we run advanced training courses specifically designed for professionals who need to manage international contracts, ESG compliance and technological innovation. Our Advanced Training Course for Honorary Consuls is another example: it combines institutional capacity building with practical tools to strengthen diplomatic and commercial relations between countries — with clear benefits for professionals who act as a bridge for international investments and exchanges. We also maintain a continuous dialogue with stakeholders like CEPLIS, Confprofessioni and European institutions, ensuring that our members receive timely information and best practices on how to integrate digital tools, AI applications and ESG principles into their day-to-day work.
What is the accountant's role in fostering economic and social sustainability today and in the future?
Today, the accountant’s role extends well beyond financial statements. We are often the first advisors that entrepreneurs and organisations consult when making strategic decisions about growth, governance and sustainability. It is our responsibility to promote ethical business conduct, support transparent financial reporting and encourage investments that generate long-term value for communities. In the years to come, accountants will increasingly be called upon to guide clients through ESG compliance, sustainability audits and impact measurement. This positions us as key allies in the collective effort to build more resilient, inclusive and environmentally conscious economies.
What does being part of FCM mean to you and your organization?
Being part of the FCM represents much more than membership in a professional network — it embodies our shared commitment to giving a stronger, more unified voice to the liberal professions across the entire Mediterranean region. For APRI International, FCM is both a platform for institutional dialogue and a concrete instrument for developing practical initiatives that support the daily work of our members. It provides us with direct channels to discuss policy priorities with European and international institutions, and it creates opportunities to translate these discussions into tangible projects and services.
Above all, it means contributing to a collective vision: strengthening the Mediterranean identity within the global economy by promoting knowledge exchange, mutual support and collaboration among professionals from diverse countries, cultures and systems.
Through FCM, we feel part of a broader community that believes in the transformative power of professional excellence and cross-border cooperation to generate sustainable economic and social development.
DUBAI Delegation
What benefits would you highlight from participating in the FCM network?
Participating in the FCM network brings significant benefits that go far beyond formal representation. First, it offers institutional visibility and influence: through FCM, we have a seat at the table where decisions are discussed that directly impact our profession — from EU directives to cross-border practice recognition and mobility of services. Second, FCM facilitates real cross-border collaboration. Thanks to the network, we can design and implement joint training programmes, thematic working groups, research projects and delegations that allow professionals to share expertise, open new markets and strengthen cultural understanding.
Third, and equally important, FCM boosts our credibility and reputation at national and international levels. Belonging to a respected federation reassures partners, institutions and stakeholders that we adhere to high standards of professionalism, ethics and transparency.
Last but not least, the FCM network fosters a sense of belonging. It reminds us that we are not isolated national players but part of a dynamic Mediterranean ecosystem that values solidarity, innovation and the continuous development of our professional communities.
ITA, delegation NYC
Is there a specific topic you would like to see FCM focus on more strongly in the coming years?
I strongly believe that FCM could take an even more proactive role in helping our community respond to the two great transitions shaping the future: the digital transition and the green transition.
More specifically, I would like FCM to establish permanent task forces or expert working groups that develop practical tools and guidelines for accountants and liberal professionals to implement ESG standards effectively in daily practice. It would also be valuable to promote specific initiatives on AI governance, data security and digital trust frameworks, ensuring that our members can master new technologies responsibly and leverage them to add value for clients and society. Additionally, I believe the federation should invest further in nurturing the next generation of professionals, for example by creating mentorship programmes, international internships or exchange schemes that help young talents develop cross-cultural skills and an international mindset from the start of their careers.
By focusing on these priorities, FCM will reinforce its role as an essential driver of innovation and sustainability for our entire sector.
Kenya, delegation
Beyond your professional responsibilities, what hobbies or personal interests do you enjoy?
Beyond my daily professional and institutional commitments, I am a strong believer in the importance of maintaining balance through personal passions. One of my greatest joys is travelling, especially when I can combine business missions with opportunities to learn more about local communities, traditions and economic realities.
These experiences not only enrich me personally but also feed directly into my work, allowing me to bring fresh perspectives and concrete examples back to my organisation and peers.
I also deeply value spending quality time with my family, which I consider the most important anchor in my life. Whenever I have the chance, I enjoy reading — particularly books on geopolitics, economic trends and biographies of visionary leaders.
Finally, I feel a genuine passion for mentoring young professionals: supporting them in finding their own path at international level, sharing practical advice and encouraging them to cultivate curiosity and integrity. For me, this is not a hobby but a mission — and one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey so far.
Luigi Alfredo Carunchio, ITA, NYC
If you could choose one Mediterranean destination for a short getaway, which one would it be — and why?
If I could choose one Mediterranean destination for a short break, it would definitely be the Greek islands. They represent, for me, a place where time seems to slow down, allowing space for contemplation, inspiration and genuine connection with nature and history.
The unique combination of breathtaking seascapes, rich cultural heritage and authentic local communities creates the perfect environment to unwind and recharge — something we all need in order to remain effective and focused in our demanding roles.
Moreover, the Greek islands symbolise what the Mediterranean spirit truly is: a crossroads of civilisations, a cradle of dialogue and coexistence, and a bridge between tradition and modernity. Every visit reminds me how important it is to preserve and cherish our common heritage, both as citizens and as professionals committed to building bridges rather than walls.
Rome
What message would you like to share with your fellow professionals and the wider FCM community?
One Mediterranean, Shared Challenges, Common Opportunities
My message is first and foremost one of gratitude and encouragement. I want to thank all my colleagues within the FCM for their commitment, their openness and their tireless work to raise the profile of our profession across borders. I invite everyone to remain curious, adaptable and courageous in facing the changes that lie ahead. Let us never underestimate the power of collective intelligence and solidarity: together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and ensure that the accountancy profession remains a fundamental pillar of sustainable economic growth and social cohesion in our societies. Finally, I urge us all to keep investing in the next generation. Let’s listen to young professionals, trust their ideas and equip them with the tools they need to grow with an international perspective and a strong ethical backbone.
If we do this — if we stay united, proactive and forward-looking — the Mediterranean can continue to be not only a geographic space, but also a symbol of openness, cooperation and shared prosperity for all.
