(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 10 - The European Union's expansion into the Western Balkans is "an absolute political priority" for Italy, and it must proceed without discrimination among candidate countries, avoiding new obstacles and ensuring equal treatment. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani delivered this message at the opening of the "Friends of the Western Balkans" group's ministerial meeting with the region's foreign ministers at Villa Madama. "The reunification of the Balkans with European history is a top political priority for the government and me personally," Tajani stated. "European integration will not be complete until the Balkan countries join the larger European family." (ANSA).