'The European Union "must concretely set itself the goal of completing the integration of the countries of the western Balkans," Italy's president Sergio Mattarella said at the Sorbonne on Monday during a visit to Paris.
"And it (the EU) must keep developing political partnerships with the countries of the southern shores of the Mediterranean," said Mattarella in his address.
The EU needs to know how to throw all its powers of persuasion for peace, mutual respect, the rule of law and multilateralism, Mattarella argued.
The 27-member bloc must also "affirm its vocation for harmony within the international community," Mattarella said.
Earlier, Mattarella held talks at the Elysee Palace with France's president Emmanuel Macron, when he underlined Italy and France's "unique bond, shared values and history".
Mattarella also said he "greatly appreciated" France's work within the EU.
