- Published: 10.02.2025.
State Secretary Matušić attends Friends of the Western Balkans ministerial meeting
State Secretary for Political Affairs Frano Matušić participated in the ministerial meeting of the Friends of the Western Balkans in Rome on February 10, alongside ministers from the Western Balkan countries. The meeting was also attended by Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement.
The participants expressed expectations that enlargement will remain a priority for both the EU and candidate countries throughout the mandate of the new European Commission. They emphasized that the success of the accession process, that remains merit-based, requires full commitment to reforms and meeting the necessary criteria, as well as strengthening regional cooperation, good neighbourly relations, and reconciliation.
The participants highlighted that, given the current geopolitical moment and the challenges facing Europe, demonstrating unity and solidarity is essential. In this context, cooperation in the area of the Common Foreign and Security Policy serves as an indicator of strategic orientation. They also underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between the EU and the Western Balkans in addressing challenges such as illegal migration, hybrid threats, and the spread of disinformation.
In addition, the meeting emphasized the importance of economic initiatives for the Western Balkans, particularly the Growth Plan, aimed at supporting economic development, connectivity, and prosperity in the region. There is room for further strengthening of gradual integration measures, with strategic communication on enlargement being crucial to the success of the process.
State Secretary Matušić reaffirmed the support and readiness of the Republic of Croatia to assist Western Balkan countries on their European path. He urged partners from the Western Balkans to refrain from actions that do not contribute to the strategic goal of European integration.
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The participants expressed expectations that enlargement will remain a priority for both the EU and candidate countries throughout the mandate of the new European Commission. They emphasized that the success of the accession process, that remains merit-based, requires full commitment to reforms and meeting the necessary criteria, as well as strengthening regional cooperation, good neighbourly relations, and reconciliation.
The participants highlighted that, given the current geopolitical moment and the challenges facing Europe, demonstrating unity and solidarity is essential. In this context, cooperation in the area of the Common Foreign and Security Policy serves as an indicator of strategic orientation. They also underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between the EU and the Western Balkans in addressing challenges such as illegal migration, hybrid threats, and the spread of disinformation.
In addition, the meeting emphasized the importance of economic initiatives for the Western Balkans, particularly the Growth Plan, aimed at supporting economic development, connectivity, and prosperity in the region. There is room for further strengthening of gradual integration measures, with strategic communication on enlargement being crucial to the success of the process.
State Secretary Matušić reaffirmed the support and readiness of the Republic of Croatia to assist Western Balkan countries on their European path. He urged partners from the Western Balkans to refrain from actions that do not contribute to the strategic goal of European integration.