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Interview with former SG Antonione sparks reflections for future role of CEI

In a recent interview, Senator Roberto Antonione, former CEI Secretary General reflected on his tenure and outlined the future prospects for the integration of the CEI Member States seeking to join the EU.

Antonione explained how - over the course of his six-year leadership - he had faced significant challenges, including the pandemic, which slowed progress but also created new opportunities, such as collaborating with the World Health Organization to support the most vulnerable countries.

Looking ahead, Antonione emphasised that the expansion of the European Union required a greater commitment from Member States - particularly the CEI-EU countries - to push Brussels to accelerate the accession process, especially of the CEI Candidate countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Moldova and Ukraine).

CEI Secretary General Franco Dal Mas expressed his agreement with Antonione’s points, which are rooted in his solid experience at both national and international levels, and could represent a useful reference. He reiterated the strategic role of the CEI in the European integration process and the need for a more united and cohesive Europe, one that is ready to support the integration of new members within a framework of enhanced cooperation.

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