The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Italian Senate has unanimously approved a resolution aimed at strengthening the Central Euopean Initiative. The resolution, tabled by Senator Stefania Craxi, President of the Committee, acknowledges the strategic importance of the Organisation and its Executive Secretariat, which has been based in Trieste since 1996, with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the participation of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region.
The resolution highlights the CEI’s role as a platform for political, economic and diplomatic cooperation. Through its Governmental and Parliamentary Dimensions and the key role of its Executive Secretariat, the Initiative is actively engaged in supporting the EU enlargement process in the Western Balkans and in promoting assistance to Ukraine.
CEI Secretary General Franco Dal Mas welcomed the outcome of the vote:
“This resolution confirms the trust of Italian institutions in the CEI and strengthens our commitment to stability and European integration. I would like to thank the Foreign Affairs Committee and its Chair, Senator Craxi, on behalf of the Secretariat.”
The resolution also foresees a programme of activities and international initiatives in 2026 to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the CEI Executive Secretariat through a diplomatic agreement. These activities will serve to highlight past achievements and promote new opportunities for cooperation in Europe.
The Secretariat is recognised as the operational engine of the Organisation and a reference point for cooperation projects across various sectors, ranging from connectivity, science, culture and environment, to legal diplomacy and institutional development.
As part of the CEI’s continued support to Ukraine, a CEI Member State, Secretary General Dal Mas will participate in the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2025), taking place in Rome on 10–11 July.