On 13 June, the CEI - Executive Secretariat had the honour of hosting Minister Plenipotentiary Nicola Verola, Director General for Europe and International Trade Policy at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, for an institutional visit.
During the gathering the main topics related to the role of the Initiative in promoting European integration and fostering increasingly effective cooperation among its Member States were presented. This includes strengthening multilateralism, political dialogue, and the implementation of tangible projects. Particular attention was devoted to the CEI’s strategic priorities for 2025, with a focus on EU enlargement to the Western Balkans, Moldova and Ukraine, and on CEI’s support in view of the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Rome on 10–11 July.
Director Verola reiterated Italy’s continued commitment – as a founding member and main financial contributor to the Initiative – to supporting the CEI’s mission as a regional platform for cohesion, stability, and sustainable growth in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. He also stressed the importance of strengthening relations with EU institutions and supporting the Secretariat as the driving force of the Organisation.
Secretary General Dal Mas expressed his deep appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed CEI’s dedication to enhancing Italy’s contribution to regional cooperation, including through instruments such as the CEI Fund at the EBRD.
The visit is part of the ongoing reinforced dialogue between the CEI and Italian institutions, aimed at consolidating the Initiative’s positioning within the European cooperation architecture and promoting effective synergies with EU policies.
