Ivanović meets with Ambassador Steiner: Montenegro leads in European integration

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović met today with Ambassador of Austria to Montenegro Christian Steiner.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović congratulated Ambassador Steiner on assuming his new role and expressed confidence that the friendly and partnership relations between Montenegro and Austria would be further strengthened during his tenure. Ivanović highlighted Austria's critical support in keeping the EU's focus on the Western Balkans and expressed gratitude for Austria's diplomatic initiatives in this regard, including the Friends of the Western Balkans Group. He particularly commended Austria’s Minister for European and International Affairs, Alexander Schallenberg, for his outstanding dedication to advancing relations between the two countries.

Ivanović informed Ambassador Steiner of Montenegro's commitment to closing all negotiation chapters by the end of the current government's mandate. Ambassador Steiner emphasised that the integration of Western Balkan countries into the European Union is a priority of Austria's foreign policy. He noted that "gradual integration" is an effective mechanism to achieve this goal and expressed Austria's readiness to provide expert support to Montenegro in implementing the EU Growth Plan.

Both parties acknowledged that Montenegro is at the forefront of European integration and has made the most progress on its reform path. Ambassador Steiner offered strong support for Montenegro's efforts, stressing the importance of maintaining momentum and political stability.

The meeting also highlighted the excellent and substantive cooperation between Montenegro and Austria in the areas of defence and internal affairs, while pointing to the importance of further strengthening the partnership in justice, healthcare, and tourism. Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović expressed satisfaction with Austrian direct investments to date and emphasised the interest in deepening cooperation between the Montenegrin Investment Agency and Advantage Austria.

Ambassador Steiner confirmed that reform processes in the rule of law and the fight against corruption are crucial for attracting investments and pledged Austria’s expert assistance in various areas, along with continued support for Austrian companies operating in Montenegro.