Ibrahimović, Farrugia: Montenegro deserves to be the next EU member

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović met today in Podgorica with Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malta Angelo Farrugia.

Ibrahimović expressed gratitude for Malta’s continuous support for Montenegro’s European integration. Highlighting the shared Mediterranean identity and commitment to European values, Ibrahimović underscored the significant potential for strengthening bilateral relations between Montenegro and Malta. He welcomed the ongoing high-level dialogue, which is expected to further enhance cooperation across numerous sectors.

An essential aspect of our bilateral relations is Malta’s support for the EU enlargement policy and Montenegro’s accelerated membership in the European Union. Our goal is to close all negotiation chapters by 2026 and for Montenegro to become an EU member by 2028, stated Ibrahimović.

Speaker Farrugia emphasized that the EU enlargement policy is one of the most powerful tools in the European Union's foreign policy arsenal. Reflecting on Malta’s own EU accession journey, he noted that Malta’s success story highlights a similar potential for Montenegro.

The progress Montenegro is achieving and the commitment it continues to demonstrate make a strong case for its candidacy to become the next EU member state. It is crucial to maintain the current momentum, and Malta stands firmly behind Montenegro in this effort, said Farrugia.

The meeting recognized the longstanding friendship between Montenegro and Malta and their collaboration in areas of mutual interest, such as tourism, education, and culture. Both sides agreed that there is considerable room to further develop parliamentary cooperation and reaffirmed their shared commitment to multilateralism. Special mention was made of Malta’s successful OSCE Chairmanship, as well as the support and cooperation the two countries have achieved within the United Nations framework.