Ivanović, Blanar: Montenegro to become next EU member, accession process must speed up

During an official visit to Bratislava Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović met with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia Juraj Blanar to discuss European integration, bilateral relations, regional developments, and opportunities to strengthen economic cooperation. A joint press conference followed the meeting.

The two officials assessed that political relations between Montenegro and Slovakia are excellent, with no open issues, and that there is significant potential to strengthen economic ties, particularly in tourism, energy, transport infrastructure, and investment.

Minister Blanar emphasized that Slovakia recognizes Montenegro as the most advanced EU candidate, highlighting that Slovak public support for the process is very high.

Even 65% of Slovak citizens support Montenegro’s accession to the European Union. Your membership would send a strong message to other candidate countries that this goal is realistic and achievable, Blanar stated.

He added that Slovakia is ready to provide all necessary expert support, particularly in areas where it has passed the most demanding stages of the accession process.

Blanar stressed that Montenegro remains the closest to the EU and that, if the current reform momentum continues, it will become the next member state of the Union.

Montenegro has achieved very successful steps. We look optimistically at everything you are doing and are ready to support you. I hope we will meet again to celebrate your membership in 2028,” he added.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović thanked Slovakia for its strong and principled support, emphasizing that Slovak experience in the EU accession process is invaluable for Montenegro.

I am grateful for the continuous support Slovakia provides. I know we can count on you at every step of our journey toward the European Union, Ivanović said.

He reminded that Montenegro remains fully committed to reforms and the goal of closing all negotiating chapters by the end of 2026, with the ambition to become the next EU member by 2028.

According to Ivanović, the positive European Commission report confirms that results are visible and that it is time to begin preparations for the Accession Treaty.

The opening of the Embassy of Montenegro in Bratislava was also highlighted, which Minister Blanar considered an important signal of dedication to developing bilateral relations. Both sides agreed that establishing a direct air connection between the two countries would significantly enhance connectivity between citizens and businesses.

At the joint press conference, Blanar stated that Slovakia, in discussions with the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, presented an initiative to accelerate the enlargement process by reducing certain administrative steps by 25%, which would enable faster advancement for countries that meet the criteria.

We see Montenegro as the next EU member. We want it to become part of the European family as soon as possible, Blanar said.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović stated that Montenegro will continue implementing reforms that strengthen institutions, the rule of law, and economic development.

Montenegro is committed to remaining a credible partner, a reliable state, and the most successful candidate for membership, Ivanović said.

The meeting in Bratislava confirmed strong support for Montenegro’s European perspective and mutual readiness to deepen cooperation.