Ibrahimović, Wadephul: Germany supports Montenegro’s reform efforts and the European future of the Western Balkans

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović met today with Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany Johann Wadephul, during his working visit to Montenegro.

The visit of Minister Wadephul represents a confirmation of the excellent and friendly relations between Montenegro and Germany, built on frequent political dialogue, close bilateral cooperation, and partnership within NATO.

A bilateral meeting between the two delegations was held during the visit, during which Ministers Ibrahimović and Wadephul conducted an open and substantive discussion on key aspects of cooperation, Montenegro’s European integration, regional initiatives, and current geopolitical challenges.

Ibrahimović expressed gratitude to Germany for its continuous political and expert support to Montenegro’s EU integration, stressing that Germany remains one of the key partners consistently advocating for Montenegro’s European perspective and that of the entire Western Balkans. He highlighted Montenegro’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation within the Berlin Process, reiterating Montenegro’s readiness to chair the Berlin Process and the Western Balkans Fund in 2026, as well as to host the EU–Western Balkans Summit.

Ibrahimović emphasised that Montenegro remains fully committed to completing the negotiation process by 2026 and achieving readiness for full-fledged membership in the European Union by 2028. In this context, he welcomed the latest European Commission Report, describing it as the most positive to date, and noted that the report recorded no stagnation or backsliding in any negotiating chapter.

The two officials also discussed economic issues, including opportunities for further strengthening the presence of German investors, expressing a shared view that clear potential exists for advancing economic cooperation and enhancing ties between the business communities.

Minister Wadephul stated that the latest European Commission findings are encouraging and that there are realistic prospects for Montenegro to achieve its strategic goal of becoming a full-fledged member of the European Union by 2028. He underlined that Germany has a clear interest in strengthening trust in the EU enlargement process to the Western Balkans, identifying Montenegro as the most advanced candidate and an example of a constructive commitment to European values.

Both ministers reaffirmed their joint dedication to strengthening regional stability, good-neighbourly relations, and the European future of the Western Balkans.