Italy supports the integration of the Balkans into the EU as a priority direction
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that the country’s primary goal is the integration of the Balkan states into the European Union, although Italy also supports Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Antonio Tajani emphasized that although Italy is favorable to Ukraine’s EU membership, the Balkans remain a priority. He noted that Italy has commitments to the countries of the Balkan Peninsula, and this is an important direction of foreign policy activities. The minister also pointed out upcoming events: on March 3, a meeting in the “Friends of the Balkans” format will be held in Rome, and on April 1, he, along with his German colleague Johann Wadephul, will visit Belgrade to confirm support for Serbia.
Tajani emphasized that Italy will also provide necessary assistance to Ukraine so that it can achieve the necessary progress towards European integration. In the context of European integration in the Balkan Peninsula, candidate countries such as Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Albania stand out. Bosnia and Herzegovina received candidate status in December 2022, while Kosovo continues to face recognition challenges.
The issue of Balkan integration into the EU has remained relevant since 2003, when, at the EU summit in Thessaloniki, the region was declared a priority for enlargement, mainly to stabilize after the Yugoslav wars.
