Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized the fundamental importance of the Balkans, advocating for regional stability and accelerated EU accession with Italian support He also addressed concerns about Republika Srpska and the need to de-escalate tensions, warning against Russian and Chinese exploitation of the region.

Tajani underscored Italy’s active role, including the establishment of the Balkan Friendship Group, to facilitate EU accession for Balkan countries.

Speaking about a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels, Tajani reiterated the need to bolster the European defense industry while maintaining openness to agreements with non-EU nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Japan.

He stressed transatlantic relations and reaffirmed positions on the Ukrainian issue, noting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s briefing on ceasefire agreement preparations, further highlighting transatlantic cohesion.

On American tariffs, Tajani cautioned against escalating confrontation and advocated for a thoughtful, intelligent response, emphasizing the need for calmness and careful assessment in collaboration with European partners to determine appropriate actions regarding sanctions on aluminum and its derivatives.