The Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs held in Belgrade on 26 November 2025 - held back to back with the last Committee of National Coordinators Meeting for 2025 under the Serbian CEI Presidency, gathered ministers and representatives of the CEI Member States who expressed strong appreciation for the work carried out throughout 2025.
Opening the session, Serbia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Đurić underlined the importance of regional cooperation in a complex European political and economic context. He highlighted the contribution of the Presidency in promoting connectivity, innovation and integration as key pillars for stability and sustainable development in the CEI region.
Secretary General Franco Dal Mas stressed that
“The CEI is today a unique bridge for regional cooperation. We must build a clear and results-oriented vision centred on our common priorities: supporting the European integration of the Western Balkans, Moldova and Ukraine, and continuing to assist Ukraine in the face of the ongoing aggression. Our task is to strengthen citizens’ trust in institutions, advance connectivity and invest in a more resilient and better-prepared generation,” he said.
During the meeting, Member States discussed the main strategic priorities for the region and adopted a Joint Statement, reaffirming their commitment to enhancing regional cooperation with a strong focus on connectivity, innovation and European integration.
Ministers reiterated their support for the EU accession path of the Western Balkans, Moldova and Ukraine, emphasising that enlargement was a strategic investment in Europe’s peace, security and prosperity.
A substantial section of the Statement is dedicated to Ukraine, confirming continued political and practical support not only to address the consequences of the Russian aggression, but also to accompany the country’s reconstruction and institutional modernisation. Ministers strongly condemned the ongoing aggression and called for full respect of international law, while stressing urgent humanitarian priorities, including the safe return of Ukrainian children deported or unlawfully transferred to Russia.
The document also draws attention to the need to counter hybrid threats, including disinformation and cyber-attacks, which increasingly affect the region’s stability. Connectivity is recognised as a central pillar for cohesion and growth — from transport and digital networks to energy interconnections — with references to opportunities offered by the Connecting Europe Facility, TEN-T and TEN-E networks, and new strategic initiatives such as IMEC.
The text further underscores the importance of the rule of law, referencing initiatives such as the CEI chapter of the Falcone–Borsellino programme, and acknowledges the CEI’s role as a platform fostering constructive dialogue, good neighbourly relations and practical cooperation.
The meeting concluded with the official handover of the CEI Presidency for 2026 to Romania.
For more info: arsova@cei.int
