Statement by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović on the Progress Report

Dear citizens,

Today, we have every reason to feel both proud and optimistic. Yesterday, the European Commission released its Progress Report on Montenegro, offering a significant validation that we are moving forward toward achieving our foremost foreign policy goal—membership in the European Union.

This report serves as a roadmap, guiding us along the way and facilitating the process ahead. It highlights the areas where we are meeting standards, while also identifying fields where further engagement is required, particularly in light of the positive IBAR issued this June, when, for the first time, the final benchmarks in the area of rule of law were established.

At the same time, this report obligates us to continue with equal dedication, as every step we take today is a step closer to full EU membership and a better future for all Montenegrin citizens.

Along with the progress made in the past year, the report reflects the broader transformation of our society and the years of effort we have invested. We are especially pleased that Chapter 31—Foreign, Security, and Defence Policy, overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has once again received a positive assessment, as it did in last year's report. This has led to a recommendation for its closure at the upcoming Intergovernmental Conference.

It is once again emphasised that Montenegro's continued full alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy is of great importance.

Dear citizens, together with last week’s visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as well as the strong support from EU member states, these are our shared successes.

I am proud of the maturity, willingness to collaborate, and commitment to compromise that we, as a society, demonstrate in pursuit of our European agenda.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue all diplomatic activities, both domestically and through our diplomatic-consular network, so that Montenegro may soon reach the stage of closing all remaining chapters of EU law and become a full member by 2028.

I thank all institutions, colleagues in public administration, political entities, international partners, civil society, and all citizens who contribute to achieving our foreign policy objectives, especially our commitment to EU integration.