On 16 June the CEI-Executive Secretariat took part in the annual Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), held in Tirana and hosted by Albania as current Chair-in-Office.
The meeting, chaired by H.E. Mr. Igli Hasani, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, focused on the theme:
“Boosting Regional Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth as Pathways to EU Integration for SEECP EU Aspiring Participants.”
The CEI was represented by Deputy Director General Amb. Ivana Pejović, who underlined the strong complementarity between the CEI and SEECP agendas, particularly during the past year, when Albania simultaneously held the Presidencies of both regional platforms.
“In today’s world, regional cooperation is no longer just a diplomatic instrument - it is a strategic necessity,” she stated. “Platforms like the SEECP and CEI provide political space, trust-building mechanisms, and practical tools to advance stability, development, and integration. Together, through joint efforts and a shared sense of purpose, we can continue building a peaceful, prosperous, and truly European South-East Europe.”
The CEI also placed particular emphasis on the value of project-based cooperation and institutional capacity-building as concrete tools to support EU-related reforms. The CEI also reiterated its readiness to strengthen synergies with other regional and international actors, and to further enhance its operational engagement on the ground.
Participants exchanged national perspectives and reaffirmed the importance of economic resilience, connectivity, and social cohesion as pillars for advancing on the European path.
The participation of the CEI in this key regional forum reflects its longstanding commitment to promoting dialogue and cooperation in South-East Europe, with a focus on concrete support to the EU integration process of the Western Balkans.
