Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović participates in Warsaw Security Forum

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović participated in the Warsaw Security Forum, held in the Polish capital on 29–30 September.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović spoke at the panel discussion “Unfinished EU: the Next Enlargement Chapter.” Other participants included French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad, former Prime Minister of Moldova Natalia Gavrilita, Chair of the Ukrainian Parliament’s Committee on European Integration Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, and Slovak Prime Minister’s Advisor on National Security Miroslav Lajčák. The panel was moderated by Secretary-General of the Bled Strategic Forum Peter Grk.

In his address, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović emphasized that enlargement is the European Union’s most successful foreign policy instrument and must be viewed as a project that strengthens the stability, security, and competitiveness of the entire continent. He underlined that Montenegro is the most advanced candidate country in the accession process, recalling that while others are still opening negotiating chapters, Montenegro is closing them, with a realistic membership perspective for 2028.

I would not be here if I were not certain that Montenegro will become the 28th member of the EU by 2028, he stated, adding that the EU’s own credibility depends on fulfilling the promise of the next phase of enlargement.

He also noted that it is essential for the EU to remain committed to its pledges, as Montenegro’s exceptionally high public support for EU membership – over 80% – represents valuable capital that must be preserved and confirmed through tangible progress.

On the margins of the Forum, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović delivered a lecture as part of the New Security Leaders program, organized by the Casimir Pulaski Foundation alongside the Warsaw Security Forum. This prestigious initiative brings together mid-career leaders in foreign policy, security, and defence to exchange experiences and perspectives on key global challenges. Together with Miloš Nikolić, Acting Director General for NATO and Security Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ivanović spoke about Montenegro’s role in European security policies, as well as perspectives on global power relations and challenges facing the transatlantic community.

In addition, Ivanović participated in a ministerial working lunch dedicated to the theme “Preserving European Unity in a World of Rival Powers,” organized in honor of France as the Forum’s partner country. The event was hosted by Jean-Noël Barrot, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Katarzyna Pisarska, Chair of the Warsaw Security Forum. Among the distinguished participants were Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Boris Pistorius, Federal Minister of Defence of Germany, as well as numerous ministers and senior officials from European states and international organizations.

The Warsaw Security Forum is one of the most important international gatherings dedicated to security and foreign policy challenges. It brings together heads of state, ministers, parliamentarians, representatives of international organizations, and leading experts in global politics and security. Montenegro’s participation in the Forum represents an important opportunity to further affirm its European and international credibility and to confirm its active contribution to the collective dialogue on security and foreign policy issues.