Montenegro is determined to align with the new security framework of the European Union (EU) and contribute to its development, said Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović.
He led the Montenegrin delegation at the first EU-Montenegro dialogue in the field of security and defense, held in Brussels, which also included Defense Minister Dragan Krapović.
The first dialogue in this area, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represents an important strategic step in deepening cooperation between Montenegro and the EU, with a focus on security challenges, resilience to modern threats, support for Ukraine and Montenegro's participation in EU missions and operations.
Ibrahimović emphasized that Montenegro sees this dialogue as an integral part of deeper integration into the European security and defense framework.
"As we approach full membership, we are determined to align with the Union's new security framework and contribute to its development, understanding that the future of European defense will increasingly be based on the synergy of member states, candidate countries, as well as EU and NATO structures," Ibrahimović said.
He added that Montenegro remains committed to stability, cooperation and the promotion of European values in the Western Balkans and is ready to contribute to a stronger European security engagement in the region.
Krapović assessed that the holding of the First Dialogue confirms Montenegro's progress in achieving its key foreign policy goal - EU membership.
He emphasized that Montenegro continues to strengthen cooperation with the EU in the field of security and defense, harmonizing the activities of the Ministry of Defense with European and Euro-Atlantic priorities.
Krapović recalled Montenegro's commitment to participating in the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy, including operations and missions, and welcomed the EU's decision to grant Montenegro an Assistance Measure from the European Peace Facility, which will contribute to strengthening the capacities and interoperability of the Montenegrin Army.
On the sidelines of the Dialogue, the ministers also met with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kalas.
Kalas, as announced, emphasized strong support for Montenegro's reform progress and our goal of becoming the next EU member by 2028.
"She stressed the strategic importance of the enlargement policy, as well as the need for even closer political dialogue in the context of common security challenges," the statement said.
During its stay in Brussels, the Montenegrin delegation also had a bilateral meeting with the European Commissioner for Defense, Andrius Kubilius, dedicated to strengthening cooperation within European initiatives in the field of defense.
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