Montenegro has never been closer to membership in the European Union (EU) and therefore the country must not be allowed to deviate from its European path, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović.
In an interview with the MINA agency, Ibrahimović said that the Ministry is monitoring dynamic geopolitical circumstances and added that he believes that these circumstances also play into Montenegro's ambition to become a member of the EU by 2028.
"A strong and united EU, with a clear vision and an active geopolitical role, is much needed by the world in the current circumstances," said Ibrahimović.
The EU and Montenegro, he stated, must stand firmly behind the values on which the Union is based.
"Montenegro is recognized as a leader in European integration in the region and the country that has advanced the furthest in accession negotiations," Ibrahimović pointed out.
He said that in discussions during the Munich Security Conference, as well as at the meeting of Western Balkan leaders, it was assessed that Montenegro is making visible progress and that, with the efficient implementation of reforms, it has a realistic chance of becoming the next EU member by 2028.
"With messages about the important role of enlargement policy in improving the stability of the Union itself, we have never been closer to membership. That is why I will take this opportunity to reiterate - we must not allow ourselves to deviate from the European path," said Ibrahimović.
He recalled that EU membership is a goal that all socio-political actors agree on and that is supported by around 80 percent of Montenegrin citizens.
According to Ibrahimović, this is a privilege and a resource that Montenegro must take advantage of.
"And at the same time, the reason why I believe we will succeed in achieving the goal we set," added Ibrahimović.
When asked about changes to the visa regime for third countries, Ibrahimović responded that Montenegro, in the context of further progress on its European path, is committed to gradually harmonizing its visa policy with the EU.
"We will gradually abolish the visa-free regime, taking into account the fact that certain countries are recognized as important source markets and play a significant role in the development of tourism, investments and overall economic activity in Montenegro," said Ibrahimović.
As he said, the task is for Montenegro to be fully harmonized by the time it becomes a member of the EU.
Ibrahimović stated that, in coordination with European partners, they are seeking solutions that will ensure a balance between the dynamics of fulfilling obligations from the EU agenda and economic interests.
"At the same time, through amendments to the Law on Foreigners, we are working intensively on the transfer of the EU acquis in the field of visa standards and procedures, so that the transition towards full harmonisation of visa policy with the EU can be realized while minimizing potential economic consequences," added Ibrahimović.
Asked why the Government decided to withdraw Montenegro's candidacy for a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), he replied that the decision was made after a careful analysis of the current circumstances and strategic foreign policy priorities.
Ibrahimović said that it is currently crucial to focus all resources and capacities on implementing internal reforms, with the aim of achieving EU membership and fulfilling upcoming international obligations.
He recalled that Montenegro had submitted its candidacy for a non-permanent member of the UNSC for 2026 and 2027 in 2008, stating that, in the years that followed, the necessary continuity of strategically designed activities did not follow.
"It must be noted with regret that in all these years, since the candidacy was announced, there have been no serious activities aimed at a positive outcome for our candidacy," said Ibrahimović.
As he said, we should not forget that the overall geopolitical situation has changed significantly from the moment of submitting the candidacy to the present day, and that, precisely during the last two years, Montenegro's negotiations with the EU have gained additional momentum.
Ibrahimović emphasized that withdrawing candidacies for membership in international bodies is not an uncommon practice and that states often do so during the competitive process, in the period leading up to elections, or even on election day itself.
"Therefore, there is no room for interpretation that the decision to withdraw its candidacy for a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council negatively affects Montenegro's international position and relations with partner and friendly countries, as well as the possibility of re-emphasizing its candidacy in the coming period," said Ibrahimović.
He said that Montenegro remains firmly committed to the principles and goals of the United Nations (UN) and added that they are grateful to all UN member states that have supported Montenegro's candidacy and recognized Montenegro's commitment to multilateralism.
According to Ibrahimović, the support and understanding they have encountered further encourage Montenegro to continue to strongly support the efforts of the international community in the areas of peace, security, sustainable development and human rights.
"This is also supported by the fact that at the end of November last year, after successful membership in the period 2022-2024, we submitted our candidacy for membership in the Human Rights Council (HRC) for the period 2030-2032," Ibrahimović added.
Speaking about relations with Croatia, Ibrahimović recalled that, over the past few months, he had spoken with his Croatian counterpart Gordan Grlić Radman on several occasions.
"What was clearly communicated in the talks, and what the Croatian colleague also said to the public, is that Montenegro can count on Croatia's full support for Montenegro's further integration into the EU and that Croatia wants to see Montenegro as the next EU member," Ibrahimović said.
As he said, the intensified contacts and bilateral consultations, held after five years, are absolutely a step forward.
"I also believe that we have shown that as neighboring, friendly countries, we want to conduct an open bilateral dialogue on all unresolved issues, in order to jointly reach mutually acceptable solutions," added Ibrahimović.
Asked how far the ambassador appointment procedure has come and when he expects the diplomatic and consular network to be filled, Ibrahimović said that, since he took office, filling the diplomatic network and ensuring competent diplomatic representation and advocacy of Montenegro abroad have been among the priority issues.
He added that he had been continuously discussing this with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and President Jakov Milatović.
Ibrahimović stated that at the beginning of the year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) proposed the appointment of a certain number of ambassadors, career diplomats, and that the procedure for two appointments that were proposed earlier has been completed in the meantime.
"Due to the specificity and internal nature of the ambassadorial appointment procedure, I cannot speak about a specific date for the completion of the initiated procedures," Ibrahimović said.
He said that he believes that the activities in terms of filling ambassadorial positions, as well as strengthening the capacities of diplomatic and consular missions within the framework of regular procedures at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have demonstrated full commitment to resolving this important issue and to the responsible implementation of the foreign policy agenda.
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