Ibrahimović visits Malta: Plan for Montenegro to join the EU by 2028 is realistic

Montenegro is making steady progress towards European Union membership, with firm and unequivocal support from its partner member states, stated Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović during his official visit to Malta. Invited by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg, Minister Ibrahimović’s visit to Valletta underscores the commitment to further strengthening political dialogue and sectoral cooperation between the two Mediterranean nations, particularly in the fields of economy and tourism.

This visit reflects our dedication to intensifying contacts and enhancing political dialogue, which will positively impact sectoral cooperation. As Mediterranean countries, Montenegro and Malta share many similarities, and we aim to fully leverage this potential, Ibrahimović said.

He expressed gratitude for Malta’s ongoing support for Montenegro’s reform and integration processes and acknowledged Malta’s active role in promoting the European perspective of the Western Balkans. Recalling Malta’s 2017 Presidency of the Council of the European Union, during which Montenegro achieved significant milestones in its negotiation process, Ibrahimović emphasised the crucial importance of continued support from EU member states to maintain momentum in the enlargement process. This support, he noted, would further motivate Montenegro and other candidate countries to meet their European agenda commitments.

Discussions with Minister Borg also focused on the strong multilateral cooperation between the two nations, with particular emphasis on Malta’s current Chairmanship of the OSCE, its non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council, and its upcoming Chairmanship of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers in 2025, which will precede Montenegro’s Chairmanship in 2026-2027. Ibrahimović extended Montenegro’s appreciation for Malta’s support of its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2026-2027 period, and welcomed Malta’s readiness to share its experiences from its own candidacy and current membership.

Minister Borg reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to providing full support to Montenegro, noting that the country’s progress speaks for itself. As a nation that has made remarkable advancements, Montenegro deserves to be the next country to join the EU. This will be a positive development for all of us. Malta remains a staunch advocate of EU enlargement, and the Western Balkans belongs in the European Union, Borg stated.

He also highlighted Malta’s interest in developing a more dynamic collaboration in tourism, recognising Montenegro’s exceptional investment potential. In this context, Minister Borg underscored the importance of improving transport connectivity and the joint efforts toward establishing a direct air route between the two countries.

During his visit to Valletta, Minister Ibrahimović also held meetings with President of Malta Myriam Spiteri Debono and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malta Angelo Farrugia.

The meeting with President Debono provided an opportunity to highlight the excellent bilateral relations and express readiness to further enhance them through high-level exchanges. President Debono noted that Malta views Montenegro as a partner and future EU member with whom it shares democratic values and a commitment to peace and stability. She reiterated Malta’s strong advocacy for Montenegro’s swift accession to the EU, stressing the importance of implementing necessary reforms and maintaining political stability.

In discussions with Speaker of the House of Representatives Farrugia, it was noted that increasingly robust parliamentary cooperation is significantly enhancing bilateral relations. This cooperation is important not only for institutional connectivity but also for sharing expertise related to the European agenda. The interlocutors also emphasised the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, which is especially relevant today given the current geopolitical circumstances.