Ivanović, Muckenhuber: Strengthening Montenegro–Austria partnership through development cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović met today with David Muckenhuber, Head of the Regional Coordination Office of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), to discuss Austria’s continued support for Montenegro’s reform processes, particularly in the context of EU integration.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović expressed his gratitude for Austria’s longstanding support, emphasizing that Austria has been one of Montenegro’s most sincere and reliable partners on its path to EU membership. He noted that the upcoming period will be crucial for Montenegro’s progress, especially in relation to Chapters 23 and 24, and that support such as Austria’s is vital for delivering tangible and measurable results.

The two officials exchanged views on the key pillars of the new 2025–2027 Regional Cooperation Strategy of the Austrian Development Agency for the Western Balkans, which focuses on: strengthening the rule of law and public administration, promoting inclusive socio-economic development, and advancing environmental protection. Muckenhuber reaffirmed that Montenegro remains an important partner for Austria in the region, and that future projects will target institutional strengthening, labor market modernization, and enhancement of administrative capacities for implementing EU policies.

Special attention was devoted to judicial reform, improving anti-corruption mechanisms, and reinforcing systems of accountability and the independence of judicial institutions. In this context, the discussion also included international best practices, such as vetting mechanisms—comprehensive procedures for assessing the integrity and assets of judicial office holders.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović also outlined national priorities in the fields of education, vocational training, and youth employment, stressing that these areas are fundamental for sustainable development and boosting competitiveness. Both sides agreed that cooperation should be further enhanced through projects that support job creation, promote vocational professions, and contribute to labor market reform.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepening both political and technical cooperation. Muckenhuber confirmed that the Austrian Development Agency remains fully committed to supporting Montenegro, announcing the preparation of a joint Cooperation Work Programme through 2026. Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović expressed confidence that through dedicated institutional cooperation and active engagement, concrete results will be achieved to bring Montenegro significantly closer to full EU membership.