DPM Ivanović in Berlin: A more precise timeline strengthens trust in the enlargement process

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović participated in Berlin in the panel discussion “Shaping the Future of the Western Balkans: Empowering the Creators of Tomorrow,” held as part of the 10th Ambassadors’ Forum on the Western Balkans, organized by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

Ivanović emphasized that young people in Montenegro are the strongest supporters of European integration, noting that overall public support for EU membership – around 80% – represents a significant resource for accelerating reforms. Speaking about the pace of negotiations with the EU, he recalled that Montenegro expects to close at least five chapters in December, which would represent an important step toward the final phase of negotiations. He added that reforms in the area of the rule of law, along with measures aimed at improving living standards – including the increase in average wages achieved through the programs of the current Government – create conditions for young people to “see a reason to stay, build a career at home, and believe in a future within the European Union.” 

He highlighted that progress in European integration strengthens young people's trust in institutions and creates space for social and economic changes that contribute to their professional and personal prospects. Montenegro, he added, demonstrates that the reform process delivers tangible results and that the European path has a clear, measurable dynamic that inspires young generations.

Responding to a question on the credibility of enlargement policy, particularly for Western Balkan countries, Ivanović emphasized that a precisely defined timeline for the accession of new member states, in line with the merit-based approach, would further strengthen citizens’ motivation and the overall credibility of European integration. He recalled that more than two decades have passed since the Thessaloniki Summit, stressing that a jointly agreed European perspective for Montenegro – including a clearly outlined timeline – would have a strong mobilizing effect and contribute to deepening trust between member states and candidate countries. In this context, Ivanović stated that 2028 naturally emerges as a realistic, progress-based perspective for Montenegro, further reinforcing its position as the most successful example of the enlargement process. A clearer and unified message from the European Union regarding the further course of the process, he noted, would provide additional momentum for concluding reforms and strengthen citizens' belief in the successful completion of Montenegro’s EU path.

During his stay in Berlin, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović also participated in the roundtable “The Future of the Berlin Process: Ambitions, Achievements, and Challenges,” which addressed the importance of EU enlargement, current challenges, and regional initiatives that contribute to stability and cooperation within the Western Balkans.