(ANSA) - BELGRADE, JUN 19 - Maurizio Gasparri, chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, paid a visit to the Central European Initiative's Executive Secretariat in Trieste today, where he discussed the EU enlargement process, support for Ukraine, and the role of regional organisations in promoting stability, dialogue, and development. "The CEI is a valuable and sometimes underappreciated structure that deserves more attention and visibility. At a time when some Balkan countries are already on the verge of EU membership and Ukraine is making a bid, "the CEI can be a valuable link," Gasparri said. Referring specifically to Ukraine, Gasparri stated that it must be supported "with conviction." "I believe there is room for negotiation, but it must start with Ukraine's territorial, political, and moral protection." CEI Secretary General Franco Dal Mas presented the activities and tools that CEI uses to support cooperation among its member countries, thereby contributing to institutional capacity building, socioeconomic development, and the path to European integration. One of the initiatives highlighted was the Falcone-Borsellino Programme for Central and Southeastern Europe, which was promoted as part of Italian legal diplomacy. "Enlargement," Dal Mas stated, "is not merely an institutional issue, but a strategic decision to ensure stability, security, and prosperity for the entire continent." In this context, regional organisations such as CEI play an important role in preparing countries for the European path by promoting dialogue, cooperation, and institutional strengthening. The goal must be to complete the European reunification process, supporting Ukraine and guiding the Western Balkans towards full European integration." (ANSA).