First EU–Montenegro Security and Defence Dialogue held: Strengthening cooperation and strategic partnership

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović led Montenegro’s delegation at the First EU–Montenegro Security and Defence Dialogue, held in Brussels, which also included Minister of Defence Dragan Krapović. On the margins of the Dialogue, the ministers met with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas.

The inaugural dialogue represents an important strategic step in deepening cooperation between Montenegro and the European Union, with a focus on security challenges, resilience to modern threats, support for Ukraine, and Montenegro’s participation in EU missions and operations.

Ibrahimović emphasized that Montenegro views this dialogue as an integral part of deeper integration into the European security and defence framework.

As we move closer to full membership, we are determined to align with the Union’s new security architecture and contribute to its development, understanding that the future of European defence will increasingly rely on the synergy of member states, candidate countries, and EU and NATO structures, Ibrahimović stated.

He added that Montenegro remains committed to stability, cooperation, and the promotion of European values in the Western Balkans, and stands ready to contribute to a stronger European security presence in the region.

Minister Krapović noted that the First Dialogue confirms Montenegro’s progress towards achieving its key foreign-policy goal – membership in the European Union. He underlined that Montenegro continues to strengthen cooperation with the EU in the field of security and defence, aligning the activities of the Ministry of Defence with European and Euro-Atlantic priorities.

He recalled Montenegro’s longstanding commitment to the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, including participation in operations and missions, and welcomed the EU’s decision to grant Montenegro an Assistance Measure under the European Peace Facility, which will enhance the capabilities and interoperability of the Montenegrin Armed Forces.

High Representative Kallas stressed the EU’s strong support for Montenegro’s reform progress and for our goal to become the next EU member by 2028. She highlighted the strategic importance of the enlargement policy and the need for even closer political dialogue in the context of shared security challenges.

During their stay in Brussels, the Montenegrin delegation also held a bilateral meeting with European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius, focused on strengthening cooperation within European defence initiatives.