Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani said that they are determined to support the membership process of the Western Balkan countries to the European Union (EU).
Tajani hosted the meeting of the “Western Balkan countries and the Group of Friends of the Western Balkans” at the state guesthouse Villa Madama in Rome. Ministers and deputy ministers from Austria, Croatia, Greece, Czechia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo and Serbia attended the meeting.
In his speech at the opening of the meeting, Tajani stated that EU expansion into the Western Balkans “is an absolute political priority” for Italy.
The Italian minister stated that at today’s meeting, they will adopt a political document to present to Brussels to accelerate this expansion process.
Tajani stated that the EU and the Balkans should further strengthen cooperation and harmony in the fields of foreign policy, security and defense.
Tajani, who took a family photo with his guests, told the press after the meeting: “Italy is determined to support the path of these countries to the EU. Some of them, such as Montenegro and even Albania, are ready to participate.” he said.
Tajani stated that they are in favor of Ukraine joining the EU, but the priority is in the Balkans, and said that these countries should not lose their trust.
Israel-Lebanon talks scheduled for next week in Rome
Asked whether the next round of talks between Israel and Lebanon will be held in Rome next week, Tajani said, “It has been approved to hold the talks in Rome. The planned date is July 15-16. However, this depends on the Americans, Lebanese and Israelis, they should decide. We have offered our availability.” he replied.
