Montenegro wants to host the European Political Community summit in 2026, said Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović, during a meeting with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, in Podgorica.
Ivanovic said that such an event would represent a significant opportunity for Montenegro to further affirm its role in European processes and to contribute to discussions about the future of the continent.
"This visit, the first at this level since the restoration of independence in 2006, represents an important contribution to Montenegro's visibility in the Council of Europe. The meeting was an opportunity to exchange views on key topics shaping Montenegro's European future, with a particular focus on the upcoming Montenegrin chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which will be held from November 2026 to May 2027," Ivanovic's office announced.
The Deputy Prime Minister thanked the Secretary General and the Council of Europe for their continued support, emphasizing Montenegro's commitment to the European path and the goal of becoming the 28th member of the European Union by 2028.
"In this context, the role of the work of the Council of Europe Programme Office in Podgorica, which provides assistance in the development and implementation of legislative reforms, was highlighted. The importance of the recommendations of the Venice Commission, whose advice is valuable for strengthening the rule of law, as well as for fulfilling interim benchmarks in negotiations with the EU, was also emphasized," the statement reads.
Berse, as announced, praised Montenegro's efforts so far, emphasizing that the stability of Europe is inextricably linked to the stability of its individual states, and that the role of the European Union and the Council of Europe is crucial in preserving the democratic order and strengthening interstate cooperation.
In a discussion on the global and regional situation, the interlocutors exchanged views on issues of importance for the Western Balkans region, but also regarding the situation in the Middle East and the South Caucasus. Berse emphasized that the Council of Europe will continue to support peaceful and diplomatic initiatives leading to lasting stability, noting that the EU and the Council of Europe cooperate in this area and that they will work together to preserve democratic processes in the region and Europe as a whole.
Both interlocutors confirmed their commitment to continuing close cooperation between Montenegro and the Council of Europe. Ivanovic also highlighted the possibility of further enhancing Montenegro's role in the institutions of the Council of Europe, in the context of further contributing to regional stability and preserving European values.
"This meeting confirms Montenegro's commitment to strengthening its role in the Council of Europe, and provides further confirmation of its commitment to strengthening stability, democracy and European values," the statement reads.
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