Italy supports Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. However, it does not support a fast-track integration process. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said this in an interview with Corriere della Sera.
Tajani said that Rome supports Ukraine’s European ambitions and is ready to help Kyiv toward EU membership. At the same time, he stressed that EU enlargement must follow established procedures and take place step by step. Italy considers the Balkans a priority. The European Union already has political commitments to countries in that region.
Rome’s Position on Ukraine’s EU Integration
Tajani said that Ukraine must complete the full EU accession process. It must meet all required criteria and implement necessary reforms. Italy will continue to support Ukraine politically and diplomatically. However, Rome will not bypass existing enlargement rules. Tajani added that these procedures are essential for the credibility of the European Union.
He also warned against enlargement driven by political pressure or emergency decisions. According to Tajani, the accession process is demanding, but it ensures long-term stability, economic convergence, and adherence to democratic standards. Italy views Ukraine’s EU path as strategic, but it expects this path to align with the EU’s broader enlargement policy and existing commitments to other candidate countries.
Tajani also highlighted Italy’s active role in supporting the European future of the Balkans. Rome will host a meeting of the “Friends of the Balkans” group on March 3. In early April, Italian and German diplomats plan to visit Belgrade. The visit aims to show the EU’s continued attention to the region.
Corriere della Sera notes that Italy supports Ukraine’s EU membership without accelerating the process. Rome favors gradual enlargement based on the readiness of candidate countries and respect for existing political commitments.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review analyzed the positions of individual EU member states on enlargement and possible scenarios for Ukraine’s European integration.
