Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that he hosted the “Friends of the Western Balkans” group in Rome, where participants adopted the “Rome Charter”—a political document that Italy plans to present in Brussels as part of its initiative to accelerate the European integration of the Western Balkans.
According to Tajani, the Rome Charter calls for equal treatment of all EU member states after accession, rejects the introduction of new membership conditions beyond those already agreed upon, and proposes a common accession framework tailored to the specific circumstances of each candidate country.
“We are working together to strengthen transport infrastructure, energy networks, and digital connectivity from the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to Corridor VIII—as well as food security,” Tajani said.
He stressed that the reunification of the European family with the Western Balkans must become a political priority for the European Union.
“Italy intends to lead this process with a clear and determined strategic vision,” Tajani stated.
The initiative reflects Italy’s continued support for accelerating the EU accession process of the Western Balkan countries while promoting closer regional cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and economic development.
