Ibrahimović: It is encouraging for Montenegro that more EU member states have recognized its progress

It is encouraging for Montenegro that several European Union (EU) member states have recognized its progress and emphasized that its accession process can serve as a model for future enlargement, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović.

Ibrahimović said that today they participated in a meeting of the "Friends of the Western Balkans" group in Rome, at the invitation of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, Antonio Tajani.

"We discussed the future of the EU's enlargement policy and the new model of accession treaties, with a clear common commitment that the enlargement process must remain based on individual merit and achieved reforms," ​​Ibrahimović said in a statement to the media.

He emphasized that it is particularly important that a broad understanding has been reached among the participants that the negotiations must lead to full membership in the EU, based on equal rights and obligations.

Ibrahimović said that safeguard clauses, if they are part of accession treaties, must be targeted, proportionate and time-limited, without violating the equal rights and obligations of all future member states.

"It is encouraging for Montenegro that more member states have recognized our progress and emphasized that our accession process can serve as a model for future enlargement, while respecting the specificities of each candidate country," said Ibrahimović.

As he said, they also discussed strengthening the EU's strategic autonomy, especially in the areas of supply chain security, food quality and better connectivity, which represents additional space for more intensive cooperation with the region.

"Montenegro remains fully committed to reforms and we are convinced that the results we are achieving will be the best recommendation for our full membership in the EU," said Ibrahimović.