Ivanović meets with IOM Regional Director and RCC Secretary General: Partnerships with international organizations key to migration management and regional stability

On the sidelines of the Ministerial Conference “Labour Migration – Supporting Economic Growth in the Western Balkans”, Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović held meetings with Regional Director of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia Arthur Erken and Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Amer Kapetanović.

The meeting with IOM’s Regional Director Erken focused on the importance of continued strategic cooperation between the Government of Montenegro and the IOM, particularly in the context of the country’s EU accession process. The discussion emphasized the relevance of migration and visa policies within the broader framework of accession negotiations, especially under Chapters 23 and 24.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović expressed gratitude for IOM’s ongoing technical and expert support, stressing that migration plays a significant role in the EU negotiation process. He reaffirmed Montenegro’s commitment to closing Chapters 23 and 24 and described IOM as a reliable and valuable partner in this endeavor. Both parties agreed that migration should no longer be viewed merely as a challenge, but as a development opportunity that requires a strategic approach encompassing human rights and economic growth.

Mr. Erken praised Montenegro’s progress on its European path, stating that the country’s accession to the EU in the coming years would represent a historic milestone. He reaffirmed IOM’s strong commitment to supporting Montenegro’s EU membership efforts, particularly in the areas covered by Chapter 24 – Justice, Freedom and Security. Erken also welcomed Montenegro’s efforts to enhance integrated border management and emphasized the importance of visa policy and labour migration as key factors for long-term economic resilience.

The meeting concluded with a shared vision of continued cooperation, aligning national priorities with IOM’s technical expertise to ensure that labour migration becomes a driver of inclusive growth, social stability, and EU integration.

During the meeting with RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanović, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović highlighted the RCC’s importance as an operational mechanism of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), strengthening regional cooperation and supporting the integration of Western Balkan countries into the EU. He welcomed Mr. Kapetanović’s visit to Montenegro and congratulated him on his recent appointment as RCC Secretary General, expressing hope that his term would further enhance the RCC’s effectiveness and ambition.

Kapetanović commended Montenegro as a leader in European integration, stressing that its frontrunner status is the result of a consistent and responsible policy that strengthens rather than excludes regional cooperation.

I am pleased to hear a clear message that EU membership for Montenegro does not mean exiting the region – quite the opposite, Kapetanović stated.

Ivanović underscored that Montenegro views regional cooperation as a vital pillar of its EU path.

The RCC Secretary General particularly highlighted Montenegro’s role in institutional strengthening of the RCC, noting that for the first time in the organization’s history, the RCC Board was established in Montenegro, and that a Montenegrin national was appointed to a managerial position within the RCC.

Kapetanović confirmed the RCC’s readiness to continue supporting all Montenegrin initiatives, emphasizing that the Council remains open to any new ideas that contribute to regional integration.

The conversation also touched on several strategic regional initiatives under RCC’s umbrella. Ivanović reaffirmed Montenegro’s commitment to implementing the Common Regional Market (CRM), noting that five regional mobility agreements have already been ratified and expressing readiness to contribute to the development of new regional mechanisms.

Both sides agreed that the RCC and IOM are key international partners for Montenegro in the EU integration process and that the institutional, technical, and political support of these organizations adds significant value to the country’s efforts to achieve regional stability, economic growth, and stronger connectivity.