In the framework of the Ministerial meeting on the Western Balkans chaired by the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, SG Roberto Antonione participated, on 3 April in Rome, in the conference titled "New vision for the Western Balkans: EU accession and regional security”.
The event was organised by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation together with the think tanks Istituto Affari Internazionali and the Osserviatorio Balcani e Caucaso Transeuropa and attended by Foreign Ministers from the Western Balkans, high-level representatives from EU institutions, international and regional organisations, policy makers and representatives of civil society. It aimed at promoting an informal exchange of views on the medium-term future of the region and further initiatives for cooperation in the region and with the EU.
SG Antonione took part in the panel dedicated to the role of regional organisations, presenting the experience of the regional cooperation within the CEI.
On that same day, DSG Nina Kodelja took part in a round table on “Cooperation with the Western Balkans on climate change and preservation of the cultural heritage”, also organised on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting. National experts from Italy and the region, representing governments, state institutions and agencies, as well as representatives of international organisations exchanged views and held discussions focused on sharing experiences; mapping ongoing projects and activities in the Western Balkans; and on assessing specific needs in the region through joint initiatives.