European leaders meet in Romania


Romanian President Ion Iliescu is hosting the summit
The leaders of 16 eastern and central European countries are gathering in Romania for a two-day summit.
The meeting in the Black Sea resort of Mamaia is expected to focus on the impact of the enlargement of the European Union and Balkan stability.

It is the 11th gathering since Germany, Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic agreed to open dialogue between the EU and former Eastern bloc countries.

Security in Mamaia was tight ahead of the summit, with riot police on patrol.

Naval ships are also sailing near the resort.

The Mamaia summit comes less than one month after 10 new members joined the EU, including eight which were formerly under the Soviet sphere of influence.

Romanian President Ion Iliescu said: "The event has a special importance for Romania. It will contribute to our growing role in the region."

The 17 states attending are Austria, Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Moldova, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia and Montenegro, and Ukraine.


Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi had also been due to attend, but withdrew after breaking his collarbone earlier in May.


Me shqetson mos marrja pjese e Turqise ne kete samit.

Kufijte e BE po qartesohen