Ivanovic: Montenegro's progress towards the EU confirms the credibility of the enlargement policy

Montenegro's progress towards membership in the European Union (EU) would be a strong confirmation of the credibility of the enlargement policy, said Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović.

Ivanovic, as announced by his office, participated in the jubilee, tenth Budapest Forum, which is being held today and tomorrow in Budapest.

At the central panel that opened this year's forum, entitled "Central Europe and the Western Balkans in the New Geopolitical Era", he emphasized that the Western Balkans represent an area of ​​particular geopolitical importance for Europe.

Ivanovic stressed that the region's full integration into the EU remains a key prerequisite for the long-term stability, security and prosperity of the European continent.

Speaking about the region's European perspective, he said that Montenegro, as the most advanced candidate in the EU accession process, remains determined to complete the negotiation process by the end of the year.

"Montenegro's progress towards EU membership would represent a strong confirmation of the credibility of the enlargement policy and a clear signal that the EU remains consistent with its strategic commitments in this part of Europe," said Ivanovic.

As he said, in contemporary geopolitical circumstances, enlargement policy must remain one of the key instruments of the EU's foreign and security policy, because the integration of the Western Balkans represents a strategic interest of the entire continent.

Ivanović also said that Montenegro today represents a reliable partner of the European Union and a NATO ally, which, with its responsible foreign policy commitment and one hundred percent compliance with the EU's common foreign and security policy, actively contributes to the stability of the region and the strengthening of the European security architecture.

He emphasized that Montenegro remains firmly committed to the principle of accession based on merit, with the expectation that the EU, despite complex geopolitical challenges, will maintain a clear focus on enlargement as one of its key strategic policies.

"The successful completion of Montenegro's accession process would bring multiple benefits, both for our country and the region, and for the EU itself, further confirming its political relevance and credibility as a global actor. In this context, Montenegro has a realistic ambition to become the first member of the Union by 2028," said Ivanović.

In addition to Ivanovic, the panel was also attended by Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto and North Macedonian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timčo Mucunski.

"The forum, organized by the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs, brought together high-ranking political officials, diplomats, experts and representatives of international organizations from Europe and beyond, with the aim of considering the geopolitical significance of the Western Balkans, regional stability and the prospects of EU enlargement policy in the new international context," the statement said.