Balkan Countries Prioritized Over Ukraine for EU Membership, Says Italian Foreign Minister

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani asserted in an interview with Corriere della Sera that Balkan countries take precedence over Ukraine for European Union accession. While reiterating Italy’s support for Ukraine’s eventual membership, Tajani stressed that the Western Balkans remain a priority due to existing obligations.

Tajani noted that assistance to Ukraine will persist but highlighted the country faces a longer path to EU integration. His remarks align with recent statements by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Polish President Karol Nawrocki, who indicated Ukraine has no imminent prospect of joining the bloc. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and Hungarian officials have similarly opposed accelerating Ukraine’s EU membership process.