The Western Balkans Fund extends its appreciation to H.E. Mr. Silvio Gonzato, Ambassador of the European Union to Albania, as he concludes his diplomatic mandate in Tirana.
At the end of his tenure, Ambassador Gonzato expressed the hope of seeing Albania become a member of the European Union in the near future. The Western Balkans Fund shares this aspiration and extends the same wish to all its Contracting Parties across the region.
During his mandate, Ambassador Gonzato made an important contribution to strengthening the partnership between the Western Balkans Fund and the European Union. His tenure coincided with a significant period in the development of the WBF–EU Joint Action, including the implementation of a substantial part of its second phase and the launch of its third phase.
This period was marked by the introduction and implementation of several important regional initiatives. These included the Empowering Regional Cooperation Grant Scheme, the Grant for Grassroots Initiatives, and the Regional Networking and Dialogue Sessions.
Through these programmes, the partnership between the Western Balkans Fund and the European Union has created new opportunities for civil society organisations, professionals and regional actors to cooperate across borders, exchange knowledge and develop initiatives addressing shared regional priorities.
Ambassador Gonzato’s support contributed to reinforcing the role of the Western Balkans Fund as a platform for regional cooperation and people-to-people connectivity. His engagement also reflected the European Union’s broader commitment to reconciliation, regional ownership and the gradual integration of the Western Balkans into the European family.
The Western Balkans Fund expresses its sincere gratitude to Ambassador Gonzato for his support, cooperation and commitment to the Fund’s mission. The foundations strengthened during his mandate will continue to guide and support the development of the WBF–EU partnership in the years ahead.
We wish Ambassador Gonzato every success in his future endeavours.
See you in the European Union, Ambassador Gonzato.
