At the second ministerial meeting between Ukraine and the countries of Southeast Europe, held in Croatia, participants expressed their support for Ukraine’s NATO membership. They also confirmed their readiness to invite Ukraine to join the alliance when the time is right. This information was announced in the joint communiqué of the meeting.
“NATO membership remains the most economically effective security option for Ukraine… We fully support Ukraine’s right to choose its own security mechanisms and determine its future free from external interference.”
– Ministers of Southeast Europe
The ministers emphasized that the issue of NATO enlargement should be decided exclusively by member countries, and no country, including Russia, has a veto right over this decision. Representatives of the regional countries expressed their desire to welcome Ukraine into NATO.
Furthermore, summit participants reaffirmed their determination to support Ukraine’s progress in meeting the criteria for joining the European Union, as well as backing all candidates on their path to EU membership.
“The future membership of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and our partners from the Western Balkans in the EU is vital for the long-term stability, security, and prosperity of our region and Europe as a whole.”
– Ministers of Southeast Europe
The ministers also called on the international community to maintain and strengthen sanctions against Russia, particularly in the banking and energy sectors. They stressed the necessity for Russia to be held accountable for its aggression and to pay compensation for the damages caused.
According to the statement, Russian assets should be used to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities and to rebuild the country after the war in accordance with international law.
Meeting participants highlighted Russia’s responsibility for war crimes and emphasized its obligation to face legal consequences for all unlawful actions in Ukraine, including reparations.
Among the attendees were Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, Moldova’s Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi, as well as representatives from other countries, including Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia, and North Macedonia.
Specifically present were Romania’s Foreign Ministry Secretary of State Luca Niculescu, Slovenia’s Foreign Ministry Secretary of State Marko Štučin, and Chargé d’Affaires Eleni Triantafyllou.
Recall that the first Ukraine–Southeast Europe summit took place in Kyiv in January 2025, and in June of the same year, the Odesa summit was held at the level of heads of state and government.