UKRAINE – SOUTH-EAST EUROPE DUBROVNIK MINISTERIAL MEETING

We, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman and Minister for Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha as the co-hosts, as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Igli Hasani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timčo Mucunski, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Josip Brkić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Luca Niculescu, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Marko Štucin and Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Eleni Triantafyllou, convened in Dubrovnik, Croatia, for the second Ukraine - South-East Europe Ministerial Meeting.
Our deliberations build upon the foundational work of the previous Ukraine - South-East Europe Summits held in Athens (August 2023), Tirana (February 2024), and Dubrovnik (October 2024), as well as the outcomes of the inaugural Ministerial Meeting in Kyiv (January 2025) and the Odesa Summit at the Heads of State and Government level (June 2025).
After more than 1,200 days of Russia's illegal, unprovoked and unjustified full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, we, as Ministers responsible for our nations' foreign policy, reaffirm our steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine and addressing the challenges facing our region.

1. We reiterate our unequivocal support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, including territorial waters. The full withdrawal of Russian forces and material from all Ukrainian territory, cessation of hostilities, and complete restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders remain essential for comprehensive, just and lasting peace.
2. We condemn in the strongest terms Russia's ongoing illegal, unprovoked and unjustified full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, which constitutes an expansion of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine that began in February 2014. This war of aggression represents a crime against the Ukrainian people, a flagrant violation of international law including the UN Charter, and a severe threat to peace, security, and stability of Europe and globally.
3. We equally condemn the involvement of third-country military personnel and capabilities in support of Russia in the ongoing war, which represents a dangerous international escalation and expansion of war with serious consequences for global peace and security and call for an immediate end of this practice.
4. We pledge resolute support to the principle that no initiative concerning Ukraine's future can be undertaken without Ukraine's full participation. We fully support Ukraine's right to choose its own security arrangements and determine its future free from external interference.
5. We reaffirm our determination to ensure continued progress in fulfillment of the EU established accession criteria and EU fundamental values and mutual support for all candidates and potential candidates on their merit-based path toward EU membership. We underscore the importance of alignment of policies on matters which fall under European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy decisions and measures. The future membership of Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, and our Western Balkan Partners in the EU is vital for the long-term stability, security, and prosperity of our region and Europe as a whole.
6. We support Ukraine on its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership, and would welcome an invitation to Ukraine to join NATO when Allies agree and conditions are met. NATO membership remains the best cost-effective security option for Ukraine. Neither Russia nor any other state that is not a NATO member has the right to veto the Alliance's enlargement. We fully support Ukraine's right to choose its own security arrangements and decide its own future, free from outside interference.
7. We emphasize the strategic importance of the Black Sea for European and global security, including food security. We commit to strengthening regional maritime cooperation, maritime security, connectivity, safety and freedom of navigation, as well as the protection of critical infrastructure, while underlying the importance of the Montreux Convention. We reaffirm our continued support to the efforts of littoral countries aimed at upholding security, safety, stability and freedom of navigation. The EU Strategic Approach to the Black Sea Region is an indispensable tool in this respect, and we commit to explore options for cooperation in its framework.
8. We commit to enhanced cooperation in countering hybrid threats, foreign information manipulation and interference, disinformation campaigns, and malicious cyber operations. We emphasize the critical importance of protecting electoral processes from illegal interference and strengthening democratic institutions across our region.
9. We recognize Ukraine's crucial role as a global food producer and supplier. Ukrainian agricultural products must be freely and safely delivered to global markets through safe, unimpeded commercial navigation and access to Black and Azov Sea ports. We support the "Grain from Ukraine" humanitarian program and condemn any weaponization of food security.
10. We agree that sustainable diversification of energy supply is vital for regional economic security, development and growth. We will strengthen energy security, develop connectivity, and enhance regional coordination through robust energy interconnectors to mitigate the negative impacts of Russia's systematic attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
11. We stress that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant must return under full Ukrainian sovereign control and operate safely under IAEA supervision in accordance with international safety standards.
12. We support accountability under international law for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other violations of international humanitarian law committed by the Russian Federation during the ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and the Ukrainians. We support the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, and we commend signing of the corresponding agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe. We equally support the International Criminal Court in investigating alleged international crimes committed in Ukraine. We recall the UN General Assembly Resolution ES-11/5 of 14 November 2022, which acknowledges the Russian Federation's obligation to bear the legal consequences of all of its internationally wrongful acts in or against Ukraine, including by making reparation for the injury and for any damage caused by such acts. In this respect, we welcome the activity of the Register of Damage caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and we support the establishment of an International Claims Commission for Ukraine. We also demand the immediate release of all Ukrainian prisoners of war, civilians, and forcibly deported persons, including abducted Ukrainian children.
13. We encourage the international community to maintain and strengthen sanctions against Russia, particularly in banking and energy sectors, while duly and effectively preventing sanctions circumvention. Russia must be held accountable and pay full compensation for its war of aggression. Russian assets should play a constructive role in strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities and post war recovery according to international law.
14. We commit to contributing to Ukraine's ongoing and post-war recovery and reconstruction by engaging international financial institutions, private companies, and all relevant stakeholders to secure necessary investments, expertise, and financial support. Southeast European countries will play their due role in this vast reconstruction process.
15. We reaffirm our commitment to enhanced humanitarian cooperation, particularly in health and rehabilitation programs for wounded Ukrainian defenders, veterans and vulnerable groups affected by the ongoing war, as well as to the provision of rehabilitation, recovery, and reintegration of abducted Ukrainian children, upon their return to Ukraine. We reiterate the importance of the upcoming first International Conference on rehabilitation and reintegration of veterans to be held in Croatia in October 2025.
16. We recognize humanitarian demining as a critical starting point for Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction, supporting international efforts to clear affected areas and restore essential infrastructure to enable population return and economic recovery.
17. We confirm our intention to strengthen economic cooperation and trade, working toward enhanced trade and economic integration within our region and with the EU, following effective incorporation of the EU acquis and promoting free trade among non-EU members.
18. We agree to maintain regular dialogue and cooperation at various levels, including through specialized meetings of relevant agencies to address hybrid threats and other security challenges facing our region.
19. A free, peaceful, and prosperous Europe is impossible without a free, peaceful, and prosperous Ukraine. Our commitment to this vision and to supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary remains unwavering.
20. We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts and maintaining the momentum of the Ukraine - Southeast Europe partnership through regular consultations and coordinated actions in support of regional stability, security, and prosperity.

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