Strengthening Montenegro-Slovakia cooperation the focus of DPM Ivanović’s interview for Slovak TA3 TV

Deputy Prime Minister Filip Ivanović, in an interview for Slovak TA3 TV, discussed his visit to Bratislava, bilateral relations, and Montenegro’s EU integration. He emphasized that relations between Montenegro and Slovakia are excellent and friendly, with significant room for further economic cooperation.

We discussed the EU and Slovakia’s support for our accession process, bilateral relations, and cooperation opportunities in areas such as tourism, infrastructure, and the economy. I believe that following this visit, as well as the return visit of Minister Blanar to Montenegro next year, we will have several signed agreements and enhanced cooperation between our countries, Ivanović said.

On sectors with highest cooperation potential, he underlined tourism as one of Montenegro’s largest economic pillars, accounting for around 25% of GDP. He stressed the potential for increasing the number of Slovak tourists through improved promotion and direct flights. He also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in infrastructure projects, especially road transport, as well as in cyber security and education.

Regarding EU integration, Ivanović recalled that Montenegro is the most advanced candidate country.

According to the latest European Commission report, Montenegro is a functioning democracy with an active parliament. Our goal is to complete negotiations and close all chapters by the end of 2026, allowing time for ratification so we can become an EU member in 2028. The political will of member states is also essential for closing each chapter, and Slovakia is one of the strongest supporters of Montenegro, he stated.

On reforms in the rule of law and the fight against corruption and organized crime, Ivanović noted significant progress in Chapters 23 and 24.

The positive IBAR received last year confirmed our progress. We have achieved notable results, but by the end of next year we must further strengthen the independence of judicial institutions and deliver concrete results in the fight against corruption and organized crime. I believe that prosecutors and courts in Montenegro will meet expectations, he added.

On organized crime, he said that while the problem was significant in the past, reforms and international cooperation have led to meaningful progress.

We have investigations, indictments, and soon expect court judgments in high-profile cases. We closely cooperate with EU institutions and partners from the UK and the United States. The problem of illegal tobacco trade, once a major issue, has now been largely resolved, and we recently destroyed a significant quantity of seized tobacco, for which we received international recognition, Ivanović concluded.