During an official visit to Zagreb, CEI Secretary General Hon. Franco Dal Mas, met with the Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Gordan Grlić-Radman.
The meeting focused on the current geopolitical context, which calls for an increasingly united Europe. Within this framework, the European integration process of the Western Balkan countries was recognised as a positive step forward. Regional cooperation was also underlined as a key political instrument in promoting peace and stability, notably through tangible and results-oriented initiatives.
Secretary General Dal Mas presented the CEI’s strategic priorities, highlighting concrete initiatives already underway. These include the Falcone-Borsellino Programme, aimed at combating corruption and transnational crime in CEI non-EU member states, in line with European standards. He also emphasised the importance of connectivity, referring to the rehabilitation of the Trieste–Belgrade railway corridor as a strategic infrastructure project.
A strong message of continued support was also addressed to Ukraine, reaffirming the CEI’s commitment to regional security and resilience.
Minister Grlić-Radman reiterated Croatia’s firm support for the EU enlargement process in the Western Balkans, noting that its success depended on strong and stable neighbourly relations.
On the occasion of the visit, Secretary General Dal Mas also met with the Italian Ambassador to Croatia, Paolo Trichilo, for an exchange of views on shared priorities in the CEI region.
