On 5 June 2025, the Committee of CEI National Coordinators (CNC) convened in Trieste for its third meeting under the Serbian CEI Presidency, hosted at the headquarters of the CEI-Executive Secretariat.
Following the welcome of the two newly appointed Deputy Secretaries General, Amb. Yurii Mushka and Amb. Ivana Pejović, the meeting provided an opportunity to take stock of the progress achieved by the Presidency to date and to exchange views on key strategic priorities for the coming months.
Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between the CEI and the European Union, strengthening coordination among regional organisations in South-East Europe, and shaping the CEI’s contribution to the forthcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025.
The Coordinators also discussed the role of CEI-supported projects in promoting regional connectivity. The Director of the Transport Community, Matej Zakonjšek, addressed the participants and highlighted the strong partnership with the CEI. In particular, he emphasised the importance of re-establishing, revitalising, and strengthening transport connections in the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine — especially within the framework of the European TEN-T Network — as well as the need to enhance interoperability and improve the climate resilience of the network in the region.
Special attention was given to the activities of the CEI Fund at the EBRD, including an update on the recent regional roadshow in the Western Balkans, as well as on CEI cooperation mechanisms fostering sustainability.
The institutional programme was complemented by a visit to the Port of Trieste, which provided first-hand insights into the port’s strategic role in promoting regional and European connectivity.
“The Port of Trieste is a key asset for regional connectivity and for the integration of European and Balkan markets,” stated Hon. Franco Dal Mas, also echoing the remarks made by the Italian Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, who, during his visit to Trieste on 26 March 2025, described the city as “Europe’s bridge to the Western Balkans” and the Port as “the terminal of the Cotton Route (the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor - IMEC).”
Satisfaction was also expressed by the Serbian CEI Presidency. The National Coordinator, Amb. Miloš Todorović, stressed:
“Trieste has for years served as a gateway to Central and Eastern Europe, and it will continue to do so in the future. It is important for Serbia to make the most of the Port of Trieste, given its proximity and the logistical advantages it offers.”
The meeting reaffirmed the CEI’s strong commitment to advancing regional cooperation, sustainable development, and constructive dialogue among its Member States, while further deepening partnerships with the EU and other international actors.
For more info: arsova@cei.int
