Ibrahimović in Trieste: Montenegro wants to complete negotiations by 2026 and join the EU by 2028

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović participated today in Trieste at the Annual Forum of the Southeast Europe Observatory, where he discussed EU enlargement prospects, the role of the Western Balkans in European security, and the potential for stronger economic ties between the region and the European Union on a panel with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Ibrahimović stated that "Montenegro wants to be ready, but we also want the European Union to be ready to admit new members," emphasizing that the process must be merit-based—those who deliver results should be able to progress. Regarding Montenegro's European perspective, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani assessed that Montenegro is ready for EU membership and highlighted the need to accelerate the enlargement process to preserve momentum for the Western Balkans countries. Tajani pointed out the strong connection between Italy and Montenegro, further confirmed by both countries' NATO membership and their ties across the Adriatic Sea. He also emphasized the involvement of Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in the Friends of Western Balkans initiative, stating that European integration of the region is about the reunification of Europe, not just EU expansion. Tajani called for joint efforts to counter malign influence, disinformation, and attempts to undermine European integration, noting that Montenegro has previously demonstrated resilience, especially on its path to NATO membership.