Ibrahimović attends the 134th session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe: We will continue to strongly promote the values of multilateralism

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović participated today in the 134th session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE), held in Luxembourg.

CoE Secretary General Alain Berset presented the first Annual Report for 2025, titled “Towards a New Democratic Pact”, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights. In light of multiple ongoing crises, he emphasized the need to refocus the Council’s efforts on strengthening democratic security.

Ibrahimović, speaking during the debate on “The Role of the Council of Europe in the New Geopolitical Context,” underlined that today’s complex geopolitical challenges require joint efforts to foster trust, resilience, and social cohesion, as well as to advance democratic security through the protection of human rights and the rule of law. In this regard, we welcome the idea of a New Democratic Pact as a framework to safeguard our shared values, Ibrahimović stated.

He highlighted the momentum of the European integration process and reaffirmed Montenegro’s firm commitment to becoming a member of the European Union by 2028. Progress and comprehensive reforms have enabled us to make significant strides towards the EU, a goal that enjoys nearly unanimous support from our citizens. The Council of Europe is recognized as a reliable partner in this process through its many mechanisms, he added.

Reflecting on the current geopolitical landscape, particularly Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Minister Ibrahimović emphasized the importance of upholding international law, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states. Montenegro stresses the need for a just peace in Ukraine and full accountability for war crimes. Ukraine deserves our full support, he said.

He also noted that Montenegro will chair the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe during the 2026–2027 period, coinciding with significant national milestones: the 20th anniversary of the restoration of independence, the 10th anniversary of NATO membership, and the 20th anniversary of Montenegro’s accession to the Council of Europe. As a responsible member state, we will continue to strongly promote the values of multilateralism, as well as the Council’s strategic objectives and principles, he concluded.

While in Luxembourg, Ibrahimović held a bilateral meeting with Isabelle Berro Amadei, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Monaco, and participated in a trilateral meeting with Minister Berro Amadei and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova Mihail Popșoi. Discussions focused on coordinating preparations for the upcoming chairmanships of the Committee of Ministers by the three countries, exploring opportunities for programmatic alignment and enhanced cooperation in response to shared challenges, and outlining key thematic areas for their respective presidencies.

Foreign ministers in Luxembourg adopted a series of targeted decisions related to support for Ukraine, the strengthening of democracy, and the Council of Europe’s role as the guardian of democratic values. They also adopted the Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law, the Environmental Protection Strategy with its accompanying Action Plan, and decisions concerning the Council’s future environmental initiatives.

At the conclusion of today’s ministerial session, Luxembourg handed over the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers to the Republic of Malta.