Ivanović in Sofia: Montenegro and Bulgaria strengthen cooperation in education, science, European integration

Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović began his working visit to Sofia at the University of National and World Economy, where he met with Rector of the University, Prof. Dr Dimitar Dimitrov, and delivered a lecture to the students.

The meeting with Rector Dimitrov discussed possibilities for further enhancing cooperation between the academic institutions of Montenegro and Bulgaria, with a particular focus on institutional links between universities, the development of joint educational and scientific research programmes, as well as opening up new areas for cooperation in fields of mutual interest.

Particular attention was paid to possibilities for implementing joint national and international research projects, innovative initiatives and projects within the Erasmus+ programme, including the mobility of students, professors, researchers and academic staff.

During the lecture titled „European Union Enlargement as a Strategic Interest – Montenegro and the Future of the European Integration Process“, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović spoke to students about the development of the European Union, its values and institutions, as well as the enlargement process and the European perspective of Montenegro and the Western Balkans.

He particularly pointed to the importance of the European acquis, emphasising that European integration is not only a matter of adopting legislation, but also of its full and sustainable implementation, strengthening institutions and building a society that embraces European standards as its own.

Presenting Montenegro's results in the accession process, Ivanović spoke about the final stage of negotiations and the obligations ahead, stressing that the set goal of „28 by 28“ is extremely ambitious but also achievable, particularly bearing in mind the pace at which Montenegro is fulfilling its commitments.

We want to be fast because we are ready, not to achieve speed at the expense of quality. Membership in the European Union is not only a strategic goal for Montenegro, but a process in which we want to show that we are ready to take responsibility and contribute to the European project, Ivanović said.

Speaking about the future of the enlargement policy, he stressed that the European integration of the Western Balkans has significance that goes beyond individual national interests, as it contributes to the stability, security, economic development and resilience of the European continent.

Enlargement today should be viewed as a strategic issue for the future of the European Union. A stable and integrated Western Balkans is not only in the interest of the candidate countries, but also in the interest of the European Union, Ivanović emphasised.

Speaking about the role of young people, DPM Ivanović said that European integration is not a process that belongs only to institutions and political structures, but to society as a whole, with today's students in particular set to become the future bearers of European policies, economy, science and international cooperation.

Concluding the lecture, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that the message from Sofia is clear – Montenegro is committed to completing negotiations, continuing reforms and building a society that is ready for membership. At the same time, we want to build the European future through partnerships, knowledge and trust with our European friends, Ivanović stressed.

During the first day of his working visit to Sofia, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović gave an interview to the bTV.