Montenegro assumes Presidency of the Western Balkans Fund 2026; Ibrahimović: The Western Balkans Fund is a bridge of trust and the region’s European future

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović opened the event marking the beginning of Montenegro’s Presidency of the Western Balkans Fund 2026, emphasizing that assuming this responsible role represents both an honour and an obligation of Montenegro towards the region and its European future.

In his address, Ibrahimović highlighted that for two decades Montenegro has consistently built a reputation as a reliable and responsible partner in the region, committed to political dialogue, good neighbourly relations, and stability.

Our European path is clear, steady and unwavering. Montenegro today stands at the threshold of the European Union, confirming its role as a frontrunner in the accession process, Ibrahimović underlined.

He recalled that the Western Balkans Fund holds particular value as an authentic regional initiative focused on people and their needs.

Speaking about the priorities of Montenegro’s Presidency, Ibrahimović emphasized that the focus will be on delivering concrete results, strengthening the Fund’s visibility, and advancing the principle of regional ownership. Special attention will be devoted to deepening cooperation through inclusive projects, strengthening the capacities of grant beneficiaries to ensure sustainable and measurable impact, and further positioning the Fund within the European and international framework.

Ibrahimović expressed gratitude to the European Commission, the Swiss Confederation, Japan, and the Visegrad Fund for their continuous and principled support to the Western Balkans Fund, assessing that their partnership represents a confirmation of trust in regional cooperation and the European perspective of the Western Balkans.

Concluding his remarks, Ibrahimović stated that the strength of the region is not measured by its differences, but by its ability to turn them into advantages.

Our vision is a Western Balkans founded on European values, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. Together we can build a stronger Fund, a more connected region, and a Western Balkans firmly anchored in the European family, Ibrahimović emphasized.

A welcoming address was also delivered by Gjergj Murra, Executive Director of the Western Balkans Fund, who stressed the importance of continuously strengthening regional cooperation through concrete and inclusive projects connecting citizens, institutions, and civil society across the Western Balkans.

As part of the programme, MOVE grants were awarded to beneficiaries from Montenegro, further highlighting the commitment to enhancing mobility, exchange, and cooperation among youth and organizations in the region.

During the ceremony, the partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation was renewed for the period 2026–2029. At the same time, the first Cooperation Agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Western Balkans Fund was signed, further reinforcing efforts towards a stable, resilient, and interconnected Western Balkans based on mutual respect and a shared European future.

The programme continued with a panel discussion entitled “Enhancing Regional Cooperation through Strategic Partnerships and Inclusive Approaches,” featuring representatives of the Delegation of the European Union, Switzerland, Japan, the Visegrad Fund, and the Centre for Affirmation of Sports and Youth.