Ibrahimović attends the meeting of the Group of Friends of the Western Balkans: Enlargement contributes to the stability and prosperity of Europe as a whole

During his visit to Vienna, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović participated in the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Group of Friends of the Western Balkans and the Foreign Ministers of the region’s countries, at the invitation of Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger. The meeting was also attended by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.

The ministers exchanged views on the future of the European Union’s enlargement policy, the role of the region in the context of current geopolitical challenges, as well as the need to further strengthen political dialogue between the EU and the Western Balkans.

Ibrahimović emphasized that this initiative has proven its value as a constructive political platform that keeps enlargement high on the EU agenda while reinforcing trust, dialogue, and commitment among partners.

He highlighted that Montenegro strongly advocates for the gradual integration of Western Balkan countries into the EU’s political mechanisms and processes, noting that such an approach strengthens resilience, accelerates reforms, and prepares the institutions and societies of the region for full membership.

In this context, he recalled that Montenegro and the European Union held their first Security and Defence Dialogue a few days ago, establishing a new framework for deeper coordination and confirming the EU’s readiness to intensify its engagement with candidate countries.

Ibrahimović stressed the need to develop a comprehensive European strategy to more effectively promote the importance of enlargement policy to the public of EU member states. When based on clear criteria and the merit-based approach, enlargement contributes to the stability, prosperity, and strategic autonomy of the whole of Europe, he stated.

He added that Montenegro stands ready to contribute to this process through its own example, noting that the latest European Commission report confirmed the country’s strongest results to date and its commitment to fulfilling obligations under the European agenda.