DPM Ibrahimović meets with AFET delegation

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović met with a delegation of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), headed by its Chair, David McAllister.

The delegation included Members of the European Parliament: Michael Gahler, EPP Group Coordinator in AFET; Tonino Picula, AFET member; Marta Temido, AFET member; Susanna Ceccardi, AFET substitute member; Șerban Dimitrie Sturdza, AFET substitute member; Marjan Šarec, European Parliament Standing Rapporteur for Montenegro; and Stanislav Stoyanov, ESN Group Coordinator in AFET.

The meeting discussed Montenegro's progress in the EU accession process, with particular focus on achievements in the negotiating chapters and the ambition to conclude negotiations by the end of 2026. Ibrahimović stressed that Montenegro remains the most advanced candidate country, with 13 chapters provisionally closed, and underlined that European integration enjoys broad political and societal consensus.

Full alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy was reaffirmed, as well as Montenegro's contribution to joint initiatives in the field of security and defence. Views were also exchanged on current geopolitical challenges, including hybrid and cyber threats, disinformation and foreign interference, with emphasis placed on the need to further strengthen cooperation with EU institutions in these areas.

The discussion also addressed regional developments in the Western Balkans, highlighting the importance of good neighbourly relations, dialogue and regional cooperation as key elements of the enlargement process. Ibrahimović reiterated that Montenegro remains a reliable partner and a factor of stability in the region, committed to European values and principles.

The visit of the AFET delegation was assessed as a strong confirmation of the continuous and substantive political dialogue between Montenegro and the European Parliament, and an additional incentive for further progress on the country's European path.