Ivanović meets journalists from EU Member States: Closure of three more negotiating chapters confirms Montenegro’s progress towards EU membership

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović met with journalists from European Union Member States who are visiting Montenegro to learn more about the country’s progress in the EU accession process.

The meeting took place a day after a significant step forward in Montenegro’s European integration at the 29th Intergovernmental Conference, where three more negotiating chapters were provisionally closed, providing important momentum for further work towards completing the accession negotiations.

During the discussion with the European journalists, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović stressed that the latest results confirm the continuity of reform efforts and Montenegro’s determination to achieve its strategic goal of full EU membership.

Yesterday’s provisional closure of three more negotiating chapters represents an important achievement for Montenegro and confirms that dedicated and responsible work on our European path continues to deliver tangible results. With a total of 21 chapters provisionally closed, we are entering a new stage in the final phase of the negotiating process, fully aware that every subsequent step requires the full commitment of our institutions, consistent implementation of reforms and continued cooperation with our European partners, Ivanović said.

He stressed that European integration is not merely a process of aligning legislation and meeting negotiating benchmarks, but also a long-term transformation of society that brings stronger institutions, greater legal certainty, better public policies and new development opportunities for citizens and businesses.

Speaking about the importance of support from EU Member States, Ivanović noted that the enlargement policy is vital to the stability, security and prosperity of the entire European continent. He added that Montenegro’s progress offers an opportunity to reaffirm the credibility of a process based on individual merit and tangible results.

Our goal is not simply to close negotiating chapters, but to be ready from the first day of membership to assume all the obligations and responsibilities it entails and to actively contribute to the development of common European policies. We believe that Montenegro’s future lies in the European Union and that our progress should be presented to the European public through facts, tangible results and open dialogue, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed.

The discussion also focused on the role of the media in informing the public about the enlargement process, fostering understanding of the reforms Montenegro is implementing and highlighting the importance of the country’s European perspective. Ivanović noted that direct dialogue with journalists from EU Member States provides an opportunity to exchange information, address questions and promote a better understanding of both the achievements and the challenges accompanying the final stage of the accession negotiations.