Ibrahimović with EU Ambassadors: Montenegro in the EU by 2028 a realistic goal, "Barometer 26" platform important for successful completion of negotiations

Montenegro will remain an uncompromising partner of the EU and a responsible NATO ally, with continuous and full alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ervin Ibrahimović, at a meeting with EU ambassadors accredited to Montenegro, hosted by the Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro, Johan Satler.

Minister Ibrahimović thanked the member states and EU institutions for their continuous support, emphasizing that the positive IBAR was a turning point for Montenegro on its path to membership. He said that the Government remains fully committed to reforms and determined to capitalize on the current momentum in negotiations.

Speaking about the "Barometer 26" platform, he emphasized the importance of joint action by all political actors, in order to successfully complete negotiations by the end of 2026, so that our country can become an EU member by 2028.

The platform calls on political actors to focus on European integration, and to resolve issues that polarize the public scene through broader social dialogue, the Minister said.

The Minister assessed the positive messages from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos as encouraging, giving a clear signal to candidate countries that enlargement is a realistic goal, and emphasized the importance of intensive dialogue with EU institutions and member states.

Speaking about regional cooperation, Ibrahimović said that Montenegro is committed to good neighborly relations and stability in the region, as one of the key foreign policy priorities. He pointed out the challenges facing the region, such as hybrid threats and malign influences of third parties, which is why, as he explained, activities to strengthen resilience at the national level have been further intensified, to which the newly opened regional Cyber Capacity Center (WB3C) in Podgorica will make an important contribution.