Ivanovic: Montenegro welcomes Europe and, together with partners from the region, gives new momentum to the European future of the Western Balkans

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović welcomed senior European officials who are visiting Montenegro on the occasion of the EU-Western Balkans Summit, the Government announced.

They characterized the event in Tivat as "a gathering that positioned Montenegro at the center of the European political dialogue on the future of the Western Balkans and the European Union's enlargement policy."

The executive branch said that, ahead of the Summit, Ivanovic welcomed Bart De Wever, Prime Minister of Belgium, Kristian Mikal, Prime Minister of Estonia, Michail Martin, Prime Minister of Ireland, Luc Frieden, Prime Minister of Luxembourg, and Roberta Mecola, President of the European Parliament, welcoming them to Montenegro and thanking them for their support for the European future of the region.

"The presence of the highest European officials represents a strong confirmation of the international reputation of our country and the trust that Montenegro has built as a credible partner of the European Union. At the same time, it is recognition of the results we are achieving on our European path and a clear confirmation that Montenegro is today one of the key interlocutors when it comes to the future of enlargement policy," said Ivanović.

He assessed that the Summit is being held at a time when the European Union recognizes that the integration of the Western Balkans is not only a matter of fulfilling political criteria, but also a strategic interest of the European continent.

"Montenegro today is not just the host of an important international gathering. It is an example that enlargement policy produces results when there is political will, reform determination and a clear European vision. That is why it is of particular importance that the message coming from our country about the need to preserve the credibility of the enlargement process and accelerate the European integration of the region," emphasized Ivanović.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the organization of the EU-Western Balkans Summit further confirms Montenegro's position as a country that actively contributes to European processes and regional cooperation, and that it represents an important opportunity for the affirmation of the country's strategic goals in the final phase of negotiations with the European Union.

"Our ambition remains clear - for Montenegro to become the next member of the European Union and for the success of our European path to be an incentive for the entire region. The gathering of European and regional leaders in Montenegro shows that the European future of the Western Balkans is achievable and that it is being discussed today precisely where the integration process has made the most visible progress," concluded Ivanovic.