Ivanovic: The reform process strengthens Montenegro's European perspective

Montenegro has a realistic ambition to become the 28th member of the European Union (EU) by 2028, and the key to success lies in implementing reforms, especially in the area of ​​the rule of law, said Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs Filip Ivanović.

In an interview with the "Focus Europe" portal and the Italian newspaper "Quotidiano Nazionale", Ivanovic said that Montenegro is the most advanced candidate in the enlargement process.

According to him, the goal of the country becoming the 28th member of the Union by 2028 is not just a political slogan, but a concrete plan based on the progress made so far and the intensification of reforms.

Ivanovic, as announced by his cabinet, stated that Montenegro has been conducting accession negotiations for more than a decade and that it is currently the furthest advanced among the candidate countries.

This, he added, is confirmed by the number of closed chapters, but also by the fact that Montenegro was the first, and still the only, candidate country to receive a positive report in 2024 on the fulfillment of interim benchmarks in chapters related to the rule of law and the fight against organized crime and corruption.

Ivanovic emphasized that the Government wants to conclude negotiations with the EU by the end of the year, which would leave enough time for ratification of the accession treaty in the member states.

He stated that such a scenario would enable full membership by 2028, and even the participation of Montenegrin representatives in the 2029 European elections.

The key to success, as Ivanovic said, is in implementing reforms, especially in the area of ​​the rule of law and harmonization with European standards, which is considered a basic condition for progress towards membership.

Ivanovic stated that the enlargement process is not one-sided, meaning that in addition to Montenegro's readiness, political will within the Union is also necessary.

He also said that a new momentum for enlargement is felt in Brussels, especially in the context of security challenges in Europe, and that support is also clear from EU member states, which are also providing expert assistance to the Montenegrin administration.

"I would also like to specifically mention the excellent relations that Montenegro has with Italy, as well as Italy's strong support for our path towards EU accession. Our bilateral cooperation is very strong and we are particularly grateful for the assistance that Italy provided during the forest fires last year," said Ivanovic.

He said that Montenegro is clearly positioned as a stable and reliable partner, a member of NATO and a country that wants to further strengthen ties with the EU and attract foreign investment.

"To that we can add the natural beauty we have, the kindness of the people, as well as the fact that we are a multicultural and multi-religious society — a society that can really contribute in a constructive way to the diverse identity of the Union, while from an economic point of view, Montenegro can be a key point when it comes to trade and the economy, given its geographical position," said Ivanovic.

He added that, although progress is evident, challenges on the European path may also include obstacles, including internal political unity and the need to strengthen institutions and administrative capacities.

When asked about negative foreign interference in domestic politics, Ivanovic pointed out that faster progress in accession negotiations and a stronger EU presence in Montenegro, as well as in the countries of the region, also means that any potential attempt at negative influence would be doomed to failure.

Montenegro, as Ivanovic said, sees EU membership as a historic opportunity – not only for its own development, but also as a good signal for the entire Western Balkans.

Speaking about regional relations, Ivanovic said that regional cooperation is often presented as a condition for cooperation with the Union, and that there are numerous regional initiatives in which Montenegro participates.

"One of these initiatives is the Berlin Process, launched in 2014, within which Montenegro will take over the presidency this year, which will be an opportunity to reaffirm regional cooperation, which is very practical, as it relates to infrastructure, education, social protection, etc.," said Ivanovic.