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Secretary General Dal Mas at conference on Western Balkans in Rome underlines importance of EU integration

Secretary General Franco Dal Mas took part in the Conference on the Western Balkans and their Path to Europe held at the Senate of the Italian Republic in Rome on 14 January 2025. The event was organised by Senator Tatjana Rojc, and attended by key political and institutional figures, including Borut Pahor, former President of the Republic of Slovenia, and Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata, President of the Senate’s Commission of EU Affairs.

In his speech, Dal Mas highlighted that the economic dynamism and geopolitical position of the Western Balkans were essential for the stability and security of Europe. 

for Italy, investing in this region not only means strengthening historical and cultural ties with the countries, but also contributing to a future of shared growth and lasting peace of the continent. Therefore, the Western Balkans’ integration into the EU should be a top priority, he stated.

While emphasising the CEI's critical role in the countries’ road towards EU membership, he also underlined that

this is why Italy strongly supports the CEI which fosters a multilateral approach, promotes democratic progress and social cohesion in the area. The CEI brings together both EU Member States, such as Slovenia, another strong supporter of the Initiative, and non-EU members, united in their shared objective: advancing the European integration of non-EU CEI countries.

In conclusion, the Secretary General called for urgent action, stressing, that

We must accelerate the European integration process (the EU must act quickly!) of the Western Balkans. The risk of failure is not remote, and, in light of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, it could leave us with a divided Europe, and the Western Balkans vulnerable to the external influences.


The meeting on the Balkans once again confirmed the strategic importance of the CEI in guiding the countries of the Western Balkans through their integration process into the EU.

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