Montenegro and the Council of Europe share vision of promoting human rights, democracy and rule of law

During his two-day visit to Strasbourg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović will participate in the World Forum for Democracy and hold a series of meetings with Council of Europe (CoE) officials.

On the first day of his visit, Minister Ibrahimović met with Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset. In their discussions, Ibrahimović expressed Montenegro's gratitude for the Council of Europe's ongoing support and assistance in Montenegro's European integration process, particularly through the CoE Programme Office in Podgorica, which plays a pivotal role in strengthening Montenegro's democratic institutions and processes.

Our goal is for Montenegro to become the 28th EU member by 2028, and we believe we will close four negotiating chapters by the end of the year, as we maintain our dedication and intensify our reforms to meet European standards, Ibrahimović stated.

Both parties noted that Montenegro and the Council of Europe share a common vision of safeguarding and promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law—values that are of fundamental importance, especially in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

In a time when human rights and democracy are under constant threat, the role of the Council of Europe is irreplaceable, said Minister Ibrahimović, recalling Montenegro’s strong support for Ukraine and active involvement in international efforts to halt aggression and establish lasting peace.

Secretary General Berset emphasised that Montenegro is a vital partner of the Council of Europe in advancing human rights, rule of law, and freedom. He also noted that Montenegro’s upcoming chairmanship of the CoE Committee of Ministers for 2026-2027 will provide an additional opportunity to further showcase Montenegro’s commitment to European values and to affirm its dedication to the Council’s principles and multilateralism.

Both parties expressed mutual satisfaction with their cooperation and achievements thus far, evidenced by the recent International Conference on Interculturalism held in Kotor.

Today in Strasbourg, on behalf of Montenegro, Minister Ibrahimović signed the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law, in the presence of Secretary General Berset. This Framework Convention represents the first legally binding international treaty addressing the risks that artificial intelligence may pose to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, while simultaneously promoting technological development and innovation.

The European Union signed the convention on behalf of all its member states on 5 September, when it was first opened for signature, and Montenegro has now become the fifth CoE member state to sign the convention following the EU.