ROME (ITALPRESS) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tajani today hosted a meeting between the foreign ministers or designated representatives of the “Friends of the Western Balkans” group (Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, 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 Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. “The participants agreed on the importance of a united vision to safeguard peace,” the final declaration reads. The geopolitical context in Europe requires unity and solidarity from all of us, in firm support of Ukraine and in defense of the rules-based international order. Standing together with the EU remains a clear sign of the strategic orientation of our Western Balkan partners. In light of such complex challenges, all participants stressed the need to strengthen cooperation between the EU and the region. Participants agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation and strategic partnerships in migration management to combat migrant smuggling, human trafficking and all forms of serious and organized crime. The European Union and member states will continue to work hand in hand with countries in the region in the fight against hybrid and cyber threats, as well as the manipulation and interference of foreign information.”
“We welcome the partners’ continued commitment to the EU’s Common Defense and Security Policy (CSDP), including their contribution to EU missions and operations,” the Declaration continues. The future of the region lies in the Union. Therefore, 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. Further decisive efforts are still needed to promote reconciliation and regional stability. It is crucial to take advantage of the opportunities offered by initiatives such as the Growth Plan in order to promote the common regional market, connectivity and economic growth. Accelerating the enlargement process therefore means supporting the integration and prosperity of the region, with the contribution of the respective business communities, which are engines of dialogue, prosperity, growth and employment. All participants agreed on the need to strengthen gradual integration measures, while strategic communication targeting public opinions will also remain a key tool for enlargement.”
On the occasion of the ministerial meeting with the Western Balkan countries and the “Friends of the Western Balkans” Group, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani presented a national position paper containing some concrete proposals to accelerate the EU membership of the candidate countries, including those in the Western Balkans. The Italian proposal,” the Farnesina notes, “focuses on three key elements: gradual integration (starting with key areas such as cyber-security, strengthening of public administration, migration management and business cooperation); simplification of the process, in order to avoid blockages and cross vetoes especially on technical steps; and strategic communication, to enhance the benefits of integration for the population. The proposal was outlined by Tajani to Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Marta Kos, EU Commissioner for Enlargement, with whom the minister had bilateral meetings, and to the meeting participants-Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Austria, Croatia, Greece, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Slovenia. The priority given to the stability of the Balkan region and the acceleration of the EU integration process of these countries was also highlighted in the Presidency Conclusions adopted at the end of the ministerial.
– IPA Agency Photos –
(ITALPRESS).
