Brussels: Ibrahimović addresses ceremony marking Montenegro’s Statehood Day

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović addressed a ceremonial reception in Brussels celebrating Montenegro’s Statehood Day. The event was jointly hosted by the Embassy of Montenegro in the Kingdom of Belgium, the Mission to the European Union, and the Permanent Mission to NATO. The gathering was attended by numerous dignitaries from the political, diplomatic, and cultural spheres, including NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska.

In his remarks, Ibrahimović emphasized that Montenegro, internationally recognized as the 27th independent state at the Congress of Berlin, and now aspiring to become the 28th member of the European Union, carries a legacy of freedom etched into the very foundations of its statehood. Today, however, our victories are achieved through reform, dialogue, and a firm commitment to European values, he noted.

This evening, we celebrated Montenegro’s Statehood Day in the heart of Europe – in Brussels – together with our allies, partners, and friends, Ibrahimović said, adding that the event both honors Montenegro’s historic achievements and reaffirms a shared European future.

He took the opportunity to highlight recent progress in Montenegro’s EU integration process, including the provisional closure of Chapter 5 – Public Procurement, as well as the fulfillment of benchmarks in key rule of law chapters.

Nearly 90% of our citizens support EU membership, and we are firmly committed to achieving that goal by the end of 2028. ‘28 by 28’ is not just a slogan – it’s a promise, Ibrahimović stressed.

He reaffirmed that Montenegro approaches Brussels as a historic European nation with a clear pro-Western orientation. Through full alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, we have stood alongside Europe on all major issues, including sanctions following the aggression against Ukraine, he noted.

The ceremony also marked the official opening of the new premises of the Embassy of Montenegro in Belgium. The address may be new, but the friendship is longstanding – and both are built to last, Ibrahimović stated, adding that this development will further strengthen Montenegro’s representation before the EU, in line with the country’s strategic priorities.

A special focus was also placed on the role of Montenegro’s diaspora. They are Montenegro’s extended hand and an essential bridge to Europe and the world, DPM Ibrahimović said, thanking compatriots in Belgium and Luxembourg for their contribution to the country’s international presence and recognition.

Guided by the legacy of 13 July and supported by our partners, Montenegro can confidently realize its key foreign policy goal—becoming a full member of the EU family, Ibrahimović concluded.