Strengthening regional cooperation as a driver of European integration, supporting the EU accession path of the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova, and promoting closer cooperation in justice, security and connectivity were at the heart of the meeting between CEI Secretary General Franco Dal Mas and Hungary's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Orbán in Budapest on 16 July 2026. The visit followed the discussions held on 10 July in Rome during the Friends of the Western Balkans Ministerial Meeting, further reinforcing the shared commitment to the reunification of Europe through regional cooperation.
"The CEI was founded on precisely this conviction: European integration begins with cooperation," said Secretary General Dal Mas. "For more than thirty-five years, we have been building relationships of trust, promoting joint projects and supporting the European path of the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova. Achieving peace and rebuilding Ukraine represent the greatest challenge Europe has faced since the Second World War, and the moment when Europe rediscovers the very reasons for its reunification."
The meeting confirmed the shared understanding that regional cooperation is an indispensable complement to the EU enlargement process, creating the partnerships, trust and practical cooperation needed to turn the European perspective into reality.
Particular attention was devoted to the Falcone-Borsellino Programme for Central and South-Eastern Europe, through which the CEI promotes judicial cooperation and supports alignment with European standards in the fields of justice and the rule of law. Secretary General Dal Mas welcomed Hungary's strong interest in joining the Programme and discussed possible avenues for future collaboration.
Minister Orbán reaffirmed Hungary's support for accelerating the EU accession process of the Western Balkans, while stressing that progress should continue to be based on the merit-based principle. She also underlined the strategic importance of strengthening regional infrastructure and connectivity to enhance energy security, economic competitiveness and citizens' well-being. In this context, she highlighted the role of the Port of Trieste and the transport corridors linking the Mediterranean with Central Europe, including within the framework of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
Minister Orbán also welcomed Ukraine's forthcoming CEI Presidency in 2027 and referred to the recent positive developments in the dialogue between Budapest and Kyiv.
During his mission, Secretary General Dal Mas also met at the Hungarian Parliament with the national delegation to the CEI Parliamentary Dimension, where discussions focused on the same strategic priorities, reaffirming the importance of strengthening synergies between the Governmental and Parliamentary Dimensions of the Organisation. The visit also included a meeting with the Ambassador of Italy to Hungary, Giuseppe Scognamiglio.
Headquartered in Trieste, the CEI continues to play a unique role in promoting political dialogue and practical cooperation among governments, parliaments, public administrations, universities, businesses and civil society. By fostering lasting partnerships and supporting concrete projects, the Organisation contributes to creating the conditions that make European integration possible.
