Romania and Montenegro: Two Moments of Independence, One Lasting Partnership

Having fully aligned with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, along with continuous progress in closing negotiation chapters and the recent formation of an ad hoc EU Council working group for accession negotiations, Montenegro is in a unique position to become the first successful story of the Western Balkans in the last decade. Twenty-two years after joining NATO and nearly two decades of EU membership, Romania now enjoys the strongest security guarantees in its history and an unprecedented level of economic development. On the other hand, nine years of NATO membership and progress toward EU accession confirm the legitimacy of Montenegro's aspirations and its commitment to contributing to stability and promoting EU values. First, as foreign ministers, we will continue to work together to support Montenegro's EU path, strengthen institutional capacities, fully align with EU standards, and ensure reforms bring tangible benefits to citizens. These platforms play a key role in fostering political dialogue and practical cooperation across the region, supporting closer integration with the EU, and protecting fundamental rights and values that underpin EU membership. Romania's presidency aims to leverage these mechanisms to further bring the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine closer to the European family through joint initiatives in knowledge exchange, connectivity, economic development, countering emerging threats in the information space, and aligning with European standards.