Meloni’s appeal to the EU for the “Western Balkans”

Organized by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the “Italy-Western Balkans” conference was held in Trieste, in the northeast of the country, with the aim of bringing Italian politics and business closer to the region.

In his video message to the conference, Prime Minister Meloni said: “As a neighboring country, Italy is well aware of the vital importance this region holds for the future of all of Europe. We know from experience that everything that happens beyond the Adriatic affects us instantly.”

Stating that current dynamics in the world, such as the Russia-Ukraine War, made this conference necessary, Meloni said: “Europe has a great responsibility towards the Balkans. It is necessary to reaffirm the sense of belonging of this region to our world and our values. This was my message at the EU-Western Balkans Summit on December 6 in Tirana, the capital of Albania.”

Expressing that they cannot be satisfied with just economic measures for the region, Meloni said: “It is urgent for the EU to set a new vision for this region and put enlargement in the Western Balkans among its priorities. “We cannot allow this strategic part of our continent to remain outside our common European home for long.”

“OUR GOAL IS TO BRING ITALY TO THE BALKANS”

Prime Minister Meloni emphasized that the region is also important for his own national security, commenting that “The security and growth of all the peoples in the Western Balkans are fundamental to Italy’s national interests.”

Meloni said: “The goal of this government is to bring Italy closer to the Balkans. This conference is an organization that will reinitiate Italy’s interest in the region. Our companies are already in the region and have a leading role, but we must renew that presence and invest in strategic sectors”.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, also stated that this meeting in Trieste must be a turning point for them and that they must show a greater presence in the Balkans.

Noting that the region’s stability is important in terms of security, fighting illegal immigration and EU integration, Tajani said that, like Italy, they are ready to do whatever it takes to play a leading role in the region. .

Italian media also drew attention to the fact that today’s conference showed the importance attached to the region by the right-wing coalition government led by Prime Minister Meloni, established in October 2022. (AA)