Ibrahimović, Šarec: Support for Montenegro, EU membership as a guarantee of regional stability and prosperity

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović met today in Podgorica with Member of the European Parliament and European Parliament's Rapporteur for Montenegro Marjan Šarec.

Minister Ibrahimović expressed satisfaction with Šarec’s visit to Montenegro, emphasizing the importance of maintaining continuous dialogue with EU institutions.

He highlighted Montenegro’s progress on its European path, particularly the closure of three negotiation chapters. He noted that the past year was one of the most successful in achieving the country’s key foreign policy goal—EU membership. Given this momentum, he stressed that all societal actors must remain focused on European integration.

We must not allow any deviation from this path. We have never been closer to joining the Union—this is what our citizens expect. I firmly believe that, through joint efforts and with the support of our European partners, we will overcome all challenges, complete our tasks, and become part of the EU family by 2028, stated Ibrahimović.

Šarec reaffirmed that EU institutions fully support Montenegro’s reform process. He acknowledged the country’s significant progress and stressed the importance of maintaining reform momentum and the pace of negotiations. He emphasized that "EU enlargement is now a priority, and countries should advance based on their achievements and individual merits." In this regard, he underlined the importance of political actors working together to find solutions that will not hinder Montenegro’s European path.

The meeting also addressed the importance of strengthening good neighbourly relations within the context of European integration. Both officials agreed that EU membership is the best guarantee of stability and long-term prosperity for the Western Balkans.