On the second day of the Munich Security Conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović engaged in a series of panel discussions focusing on current global and regional crises, the enhancement of the transatlantic partnership, Europe’s and the EU’s role in global affairs, as well as the ongoing situations in Ukraine and the Middle East.

A meeting of leaders from the Western Balkans was convened, centering on the region’s European aspirations and the pathway to EU membership. Keynote speakers included Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, and Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger, President of the Foundation Council of the Munich Security Conference Foundation. Alongside Minister Ibrahimović, high-ranking representatives from the region participated, such as Vjosa Osmani, President of the Republic of Kosovo; Željka Cvijanović, Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Denis Bećirović, Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania; Timčo Mucunski, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia; Tanja Miščević, Minister of European Integration of Serbia; and Peter Grk, Secretary-General of the Bled Strategic Forum.

The discussion highlighted the European Commission’s robust support for the enlargement process, asserting that EU membership is vital for the stability and growth of the region. It was concluded that enlargement would play a significant role in fostering long-term peace, economic advancement, and bolstering the region’s resilience against geopolitical challenges.

Montenegro was acknowledged as the leader in European integration among Western Balkan nations, having made significant strides in accession negotiations. It was noted that with the effective execution of reforms, Montenegro stands a realistic chance of joining the EU by 2028. In this regard, the need for a trustworthy and consistent EU enlargement policy was emphasized, which would offer candidate countries clear direction and facilitate a gradual accession process based on individual merit.

On the fringes of the conference, Minister Ibrahimović had a meeting with Commissioner Marta Kos. He reaffirmed Montenegro’s unwavering dedication to its European trajectory and highlighted the urgency of accelerating the integration process for the Western Balkans. Commissioner Kos recognized Montenegro’s evident progress and stressed the importance of further intensifying reforms to achieve EU membership promptly.

On the second day of the Munich Security Conference, Minister Ibrahimović also met with Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar. Both sides acknowledged their shared interest in enhancing political dialogue and bolstering bilateral cooperation, particularly in the sectors of economy, tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy. They also discussed ways to deepen interactions and cooperation between the foreign ministries of Montenegro and Qatar.

Additionally, Minister Ibrahimović conducted brief discussions with his counterparts—Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman, and Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina Elmedin Konaković.

By participating in the Munich Security Conference, Minister Ibrahimović emphasized Montenegro’s strong commitment to European and Euro-Atlantic values, the enhancement of stability and cooperation in the Western Balkans, and a proactive stance in contributing to global security and stability.