(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAY 19 - "Italy is firmly in favour of the Western Balkans' effective membership in the European Union. This accession has been long-awaited, and it must produce a concrete result while acknowledging that several steps remain. At the same time, all participants express a strong desire to feel a part of the European project." Minister for European Affairs Tommaso Foti made this statement while speaking at the Eleventh Forum of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR), which is currently taking place in Skopje. (ANSA).