The Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Maria Tripodi, addressed a conference organised by the South East Europe Observatory of the Einaudi Foundation, devoted to the European perspective of the Western Balkans. In her opening remarks, the Undersecretary emphasised that the region constitutes an essential component of the European Union’s security, stability and long-term outlook.
She highlighted the Italian Government’s renewed and determined commitment to the area, structured around three key priorities. At the political and diplomatic level, Italy has stepped up bilateral dialogue with all countries in the region, reaffirming its support for their EU accession path, in full compliance with the established criteria and conditionality framework. In the multilateral sphere, Rome actively promotes strengthened regional cooperation, including through the Central European Initiative, by fostering platforms for dialogue that enhance mutual trust, reinforce institutional stability and encourage economic integration within the European market. Particular attention is also devoted to the economic and social dimension, seen as an essential prerequisite for the region’s lasting stabilisation.
“The Western Balkans are an integral part of the EU’s security and future. Their full integration represents a geopolitical investment of common interest. This issue will be at the centre of the forthcoming ‘Friends of Western Balkans’ ministerial meeting, scheduled to take place in Rome on 3 March and chaired by Minister Antonio Tajani. Italy will continue to serve as a credible, consistent and steadfast partner for the region, guided by strategic vision and a European spirit, contributing to a stronger, more cohesive and more secure Union,” Undersecretary Tripodi concluded.
