On 19 June 2026, Senator Maurizio Gasparri, President of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee of the Italian Senate, visited the CEI Headquartes where he met with Secretary General Franco Dal Mas and with the Staff members of the CEI - Executive Secretariat.
The meeting provided an important opportunity to exchange views on the main geopolitical developments affecting Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, with particular focus on the European Union enlargement process, support for Ukraine, and the role of regional organisations in promoting stability, dialogue and development.
During the visit, the Secretary General presented the activities and instruments through which the CEI supports cooperation among its Member States, contributing to institutional capacity-building, socio-economic development and the European integration process. Among the initiatives presented was also the Falcone-Borsellino Programme for Central and South-Eastern Europe, promoted within the framework of Italy’s legal diplomacy.
“Europe is facing a decisive moment in its history. Enlargement is not merely an institutional matter; it is a strategic choice aimed at ensuring stability, security and prosperity across the continent. In this context, regional organisations such as the CEI play a concrete role in preparing countries for their European path by fostering dialogue, cooperation and stronger institutions. Our objective must be to complete the reunification of Europe by supporting Ukraine and accompanying the Western Balkans towards full European integration,” said Franco Dal Mas, CEI Secretary General.
Senator Gasparri expressed his appreciation for the work carried out by the CEI in promoting regional cooperation and dialogue among the countries of the region.
“At a time of major political and geopolitical changes, it is important to support and enhance all initiatives that foster dialogue and cooperation among European countries. The CEI performs a valuable bridging function between the European Union and the countries of Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, making a concrete contribution to regional stability and to the European integration process,” said Senator Maurizio Gasparri.
