Brussels, 11 February 2025 (MIA) - The Western Balkans are part of the European family, our security is inseparable and our cooperation is essential, said the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, who attended a ministerial meeting with the Western Balkan countries and the Friends of the Western Balkans Group in Rome on Monday.   

"Today in Rome, I underlined this shared security perspective and our hope for real progress in the next five years on EU enlargement, based on progress with reforms," Kallas posted on X.  

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, who also attended the meeting, said "more than ever, we need to bring the Western Balkans closer to the EU" 

"Strong focus on common security challenges, and accelerating gradual integration against delivery of reforms by candidate countries," Kos said in an X post. 

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Zoran Dimitrovski also attended the meeting in Rome. 

The Friends of the Western Balkans Group includes Italy, Austria, Croatia, Greece, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Slovenia. 

Photo: MIA archive