DPM Ivanović: The future of the Western Balkans lies within the EU, enlargement policy is an investment in a safe and prosperous Europe

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović opened the High-Level Policy Dialogue titled "The Western Balkans in the EU's Next Geopolitical Cycle: Implications for Policy and Reform Prospects," organised by the School of Transnational Governance as part of the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence.

This event is part of a broader capacity-building project for public officials from the Western Balkans, aimed at supporting their EU policymaking and skill development for advancing the region's EU accession process. The project is being implemented by the EUI with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

In addition to Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović, speakers at the opening session included Maurizio Canfora, Director for European Integration at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, European Union Ambassador to Montenegro Johann Sattler, and Italian Ambassador to Montenegro Andreina Marsella.

The future of the Western Balkans lies within the European Union. Political leaders in Montenegro are unequivocally committed to European integration, with over 80% of Montenegrin citizens supporting EU accession, Ivanović stated during his opening remarks.

He also highlighted the significant progress Montenegro has made, particularly the achievement of receiving IBAR (Interim Benchmark Assessment Report), which he described as a historic milestone and a major step forward for the country. This progress, he noted, serves as an example for both the EU and other candidate countries. Ivanović emphasised that Montenegro aims to close four negotiation chapters by the end of this year, and with sustained momentum and goodwill from the EU and member states, Montenegro could become the next EU member by the end of this Government's full mandate.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović underlined that the EU enlargement policy represents an investment in a secure and prosperous Europe, one that must be united to avoid any geopolitical or strategic vacuum. He reiterated Montenegro's strong commitment to European integration for the entire region and affirmed that once Montenegro becomes an EU member, it will continue to support an open-door policy for all countries that wish to join, based on their achievements and progress. In the context of security, Ivanović also reflected on the geostrategic importance of the Balkans, both historically and culturally.

He further outlined the numerous benefits that EU membership would bring to the Western Balkan states and their citizens, as well as the advantages for the EU itself, such as gaining access to a market of several million people, facilitating business, enabling freer travel, and improving connectivity. He emphasised that European integration would also serve as a catalyst for cooperation and reconciliation in the Western Balkans, helping to diminish the importance of issues that have historically strained relations between countries in the region.