On 5 October 2026, Deputy Secretary General Zsuzsanna Király participated in a high-level international conference held at the Istituto Luigi Sturzo in Rome, under the Romanian CEI Presidency, focusing on the contribution of regional cooperation and transnational economic projects to European security, Ukraine's reconstruction and EU accession and in particular the commitment of Romania holding this year’s presidency.
Király delivered a keynote address during the opening session alongside Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Edmondo Cirielli.
She underlined that the accession process extended beyond institutional frameworks, representing a vital step toward completing the European project. She emphasised that advancing infrastructural links, energy grids, and digital integration was essential to bringing candidate countries closer to the European Union. This deep transnational cooperation serves as a cornerstone for a stronger, more resilient continent capable of withstanding future external shocks.
While acknowledging the magnitude of current regional challenges, she also expressed confidence in collective European capability, noting that historical precedents demonstrated the power of shared goals and purposeful collaboration. Consequently, she urged stakeholders to prioritise practical solutions, optimise regional initiatives, and accelerate the EU integration process across the board. Király finally recalled the motto of the Romanian CEI Presidency, “Closer in the Region, Stronger in Europe”, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation in advancing a stronger and more united Europe.
