Montenegro deepens cooperation with Spain on its European path

Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović began his official visit to Madrid with a meeting with the first Vice Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Congress of Deputies of the Kingdom of Spain Enrique Fernando Santiago Romero.

During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović outlined Montenegro’s foreign policy priorities, reaffirming full commitment to EU membership as a strategic national objective. He briefed his counterpart on the progress achieved in the EU accession process, emphasizing that since 2023 Montenegro has reached several significant milestones, including receiving a positive IBAR. He particularly underlined the importance of the support provided by Spain during its Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Santiago Romero reiterated Spain’s firm support for EU enlargement and stressed that the Congress of Deputies strongly backs Montenegro’s integration into the European Union. He underscored the need for continued reforms, particularly in the area of rule of law, highlighting the fight against corruption and organized crime as essential not only for democratic consolidation but also for sustainable economic development. He shared Spain’s experience in this area, emphasizing the need to develop robust preventive mechanisms.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović spoke about Montenegro’s internal reform agenda, noting that the fight against corruption and the strengthening of the judiciary are top domestic priorities. He pointed to concrete results, including improved working conditions in the judiciary and ongoing efforts to ensure accountability before the law. He emphasized that the rule of law directly impacts investment flows and overall economic performance, expressing hope that Montenegro’s progress will serve as a signal to EU member states to deepen cooperation.

In this context, the importance of parliamentary diplomacy was highlighted as a key tool for building trust and strengthening institutional ties. Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović informed his counterpart that the formation of a parliamentary friendship group between Montenegro and Spain is expected soon. Santiago Romero expressed readiness to provide both technical and political support through cooperation with the relevant committees of the Spanish Congress of Deputies.

The two officials also discussed global challenges, with particular attention to the situation in the Middle East. Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović reiterated Montenegro’s support for an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution. The discussion also touched on areas of mutual interest such as tourism, energy, and infrastructure. Ivanović noted that tourism accounts for around 25% of Montenegro’s GDP, adding that the government is actively working on economic diversification and learning from Spain’s experience in developing tourism infrastructure and services. Santiago Romero offered cooperation in the field of vocational training and knowledge exchange.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the importance of strengthening Montenegro’s administrative capacities, both throughout the accession process and as a future EU member state. Santiago Romero confirmed Spain’s willingness to share expertise and provide ongoing support to Montenegro’s institutions as they work toward full European integration.