As a dedicated member of the Council of Europe (CoE), Montenegro is committed to upholding the values of multilateralism and the strategic objectives of the organization, stated Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MVP), Ibrahimović took part in today’s session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Luxembourg.

During the discussion on “The Role of the Council of Europe in the New Geopolitical Context,” he highlighted that complex geopolitical challenges necessitate collaborative efforts to foster trust, resilience, and social cohesion, while also enhancing democratic security through the adherence to human rights and the rule of law.

“In this context, we support the concept of a New Democratic Pact as a framework for safeguarding our shared values,” Ibrahimović remarked.

He reaffirmed Montenegro’s steadfast commitment to EU accession by 2028, referencing the progress made through comprehensive reforms.

“Our achievements on the road to EU integration receive overwhelming support from our citizens,” Ibrahimović added.

He mentioned that the Council of Europe has been acknowledged as a reliable partner, providing support through its various mechanisms.

“In light of the current geopolitical landscape, particularly regarding Russian aggression toward Ukraine, he emphasized the vital need to uphold international law, sovereignty, independence, and the territorial integrity of all nations,” the statement indicated.

As Ibrahimović noted, Montenegro underscores the importance of a just peace in Ukraine and full accountability for crimes committed.

“Ukraine deserves our unwavering support,” he stated.

He indicated that Montenegro is set to assume the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe from next year until 2027, coinciding with significant national milestones: the 20th anniversary of independence restoration, a decade of NATO membership, and 20 years since joining the Council of Europe.

“As a responsible member state, we remain committed to robustly promoting the values of multilateralism and the strategic objectives of the Council of Europe,” Ibrahimović emphasized.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alan Berse, presented the inaugural annual report for this year entitled “Towards a New Democratic Pact,” coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights.

“In the face of recurring crises, he underlined the necessity for the Council of Europe to shift its focus toward strengthening democratic security,” the statement mentioned.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reported that Ibrahimović met with Monaco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Isabelle Bero-Amadi, today in Luxembourg, including a separate trilateral meeting involving Bero-Amadi and Moldova’s Foreign Minister, Mihail Popsoi.

“The discussions centered on coordinating the preparations of the three nations for the Committee of Ministers’ chairmanship, exploring opportunities for harmonizing programs aimed at enhancing cooperation and addressing current challenges, as well as the focal areas for the upcoming chairmanship,” the statement elaborated.

The foreign ministers in Luxembourg approved several decisions regarding support for Ukraine, democracy, and the Council of Europe’s role as a defender of democratic values, alongside activities carried out over the last two years since the Reykjavik Summit.

“They also endorsed the Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Legislation, the Environmental Protection Strategy with its associated Action Plan, and decisions regarding future endeavors in this domain,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Finally, at the conclusion of today’s ministerial session, Luxembourg handed over the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers to Malta.

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