The enlargement of the European Union (EU) is not just a technical process, but a strategic issue for the future of Europe, said Minister of Foreign Affairs and leader of the Bosniak Party (BS) Ervin Ibrahimović, stating that Montenegro is ready for the final phase of integration.
Ibrahimović, as announced by BS, participated in a meeting of the European People's Party (EPP) in Sarajevo, where he spoke at a panel dedicated to EU enlargement policy and the role of the EPP in the Western Balkans.
He emphasized that the Western Balkan countries must not remain in the "entrance hall of Europe."
As Ibrahimović stated, a clear European perspective for the region contributes to greater stability, security and democratic development, while at the same time reducing the space for nationalism, political instability and negative external influences.
Speaking about Montenegro's European path, he said that the goal of EU membership by 2028 is ambitious, but achievable if reforms continue to be implemented with political responsibility and institutional commitment.
"He emphasized that Montenegro's ambition for full membership is not only a path of value identification with the EU, chosen by its leadership, but also a roadmap that other countries in the region should follow in order for the enlargement policy to reach its full momentum and achieve the goal of a strong and integral EU," the statement said.
Ibrahimović emphasized that the final phase of the negotiation process requires not only continued reforms, but also strong political support from European partners.
"In this context, he stressed the importance of the EPP as a political family that can make a key contribution to maintaining enlargement policy among the priorities of the European Union and provide support to countries that achieve concrete results in the areas of the rule of law, democracy and strengthening institutions," the statement said.
Speaking about the role of BS in Montenegrin society and its contribution to the European development of the country, he recalled that this party consistently supported all strategic decisions that brought Montenegro closer to NATO, the EU and the European democratic community.
Ibrahimović emphasized that European Montenegro must remain a civic, multiethnic and inclusive state in which the rights of minority peoples are an integral part of democratic standards and European values.
Speaking about cooperation with the EPP, he emphasized that the BS membership in the EPP is based on shared values, including the rule of law, democracy, freedom, responsibility, solidarity, respect for identity, and strong institutions.
"Ibrahimović assessed that strengthening the political space that shares European and reform values further strengthens Montenegro's European path and contributes to its political stability," the statement added.
He stated that he was pleased that the Europe Movement would now become a member of the EPP at the end of the month, assessing that this is an important step for strengthening pro-European forces in Montenegro and a confirmation of the attractiveness of the values that the EPP inherits.
Ibrahimović recalled that the BS strongly supported this process, convinced that the expansion of the EPP family in Montenegro would further strengthen the European agenda, reform processes and political stability of the country.
He also pointed out the importance of regional cooperation and good neighborly relations, adding that the future of the Western Balkans cannot be built on divisions and old disputes, but on dialogue, mutual trust and cooperation.
"He confirmed that Montenegro will continue to act as a reliable neighbor, a credible ally in NATO and a responsible future member of the EU, with full alignment of its foreign policy with European and Euro-Atlantic partners," the statement said.
Ibrahimović said that the region needs less division and more Europe, less nationalism and more rule of law, as well as less politics of fear and more cooperation.
He emphasized that stability, dialogue, European values, and a society in which every citizen feels equal are the foundations of the policy that BS advocates, but also the best path for the European future of Montenegro and the entire region.
On behalf of the BS, the meeting was attended by Vice President and MP Jasmin Ćorović, MP Kenana Strujić Harbić, and Minister of Energy and Mining and International Secretary of the BS Admir Šahmanović.
Šahmanović will, as announced, participate in a roundtable dedicated to the next steps of the EPP Group, and within the EU integration of the Western Balkan countries.
See more:
Download the app and follow the news
FOLLOW US ON
