DPM Ivanović participates in the 13th ASPEN GMF Bucharest Forum

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović participated in the 13th ASPEN GMF Bucharest Forum, where he delivered an opening speech on the panel "Shaping the Balkans’ Future: EU Enlargement on the Horizon." Expressing gratitude to the organisers for the opportunity to participate, Ivanović emphasised the importance of a shared European future for regional security and stability, asserting that lasting stability can only be achieved through the European Union.

Ivanović highlighted Montenegro's progress over the past year, underscoring the synergy between the Government and Parliament as a crucial factor. He pointed to the positive IBAR and the Intergovernmental Conference held in June this year, which confirmed Montenegro’s advancement in EU accession negotiations. Ivanović declared that Montenegro aims to close all negotiation chapters by 2026, aspiring to become the EU's newest member — the “28th Member State by 2028.” He described this goal as not only ambitious but also realistic.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that EU membership brings numerous benefits to Montenegrin citizens — from greater mobility to improved healthcare and a higher quality of life. With over 80% of citizens supporting the European path, Montenegro is currently one of the EU's most pro-European partners, ready to contribute to regional stability. Ivanović affirmed that Montenegro will continue with reforms in areas such as the rule of law, economy, and social cohesion, meeting all necessary criteria for membership.

Ivanović noted that if the Western Balkans remain outside the EU, it could undermine the EU's credibility, as enlargement remains one of its most effective policies.

Other panelists included Oana Cristina Popa, former Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro, who confirmed Montenegro’s high level of alignment with EU policy and the strong support of its citizens for EU membership; Tiago Antunes, former Secretary of State for European Affairs of Portugal, who emphasised that enlargement is in the EU's interest and would benefit all of Europe; and Ioannis Armakolas, Head of the South-East Europe Programme at the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy, who remarked that the Western Balkans cannot be left waiting indefinitely and called on the EU to accelerate its internal reforms.