Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tajani hosted a meeting between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs or appointed representatives of the group “Friends of the Western Balkans” (Austria, Croatia, Czechia, Greece, Slovenia and Slovakia) and the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia), with the participation of High Representative and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.
The participants agreed on the importance of a unified vision to safeguard peace. The geopolitical context in Europe demands unity and solidarity from us all, in firm support of Ukraine and in defence of the international rules-based order. Standing together with the EU remains a clear sign of our Western Balkan partners’ strategic orientation. In light of such complex challenges, all participants stressed the need for strengthening cooperation between the EU and the region. The participants agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation and strategic partnerships in migration management, to combat the smuggling of migrants, trafficking in human beings and all forms of serious and organised crime. The European Union and the Member States shall continue working side by side with the Countries of the Region in tackling hybrid and cyber threats as well as foreign information manipulation and interference. We welcome partners’ continued commitment to the EU Common and Security Defence Policy (CSDP), including the contribution to EU’s missions and operations.
The future of the region lies within the Union. Thus, as the EU begins a new institutional cycle, the integration process of the Western Balkans must remain a priority for both its Member States and Candidate countries. Decisive further efforts are still required to foster reconciliation and regional stability. It is crucial to exploit the opportunities offered by such initiatives as the Growth Plan, in order to advance the Common Regional Market, connectivity and economic growth. Accelerating the enlargement process therefore means supporting the integration and the prosperity of the region, with the contribution of the respective business communities, which are the engine of dialogue, well-being, growth and jobs.
All participants agreed on the need for reinforced measures of gradual integration, while strategic communication aimed at public opinions shall also remain a key enlargement tool.
