Today, Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović held a meeting with Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, who is visiting Montenegro as part of preparations for Ireland’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the latter half of 2026.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović expressed his appreciation for the Irish delegation’s visit, emphasizing its importance in enhancing bilateral relations and supporting Montenegro’s European aspirations. He stated that Montenegro holds Ireland’s support in high regard, especially concerning the upcoming presidency and the ongoing EU accession negotiations.

While discussing the current state and trends of the negotiation process, Ivanović highlighted Montenegro’s achievements in critical areas such as the rule of law, the fight against organized crime and corruption, judicial reforms, and institutional development. He reiterated Montenegro’s strong commitment to finalizing all negotiation chapters by the end of 2026, emphasizing that EU integration is the country’s top foreign policy priority. Additionally, he stressed the need for cohesive political backing from all EU member states, expressing confidence that Montenegro, upon its EU accession, will actively support further enlargement.

Byrne affirmed Ireland’s unwavering support for Montenegro’s European journey, praising the significant progress made and the positive trajectory of the country’s reform efforts. He commended Montenegro’s full alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, noting that the nation is already exemplifying the values it would contribute to the European Union. He remarked that EU enlargement benefits not only the candidate countries but the Union as a whole.

Sharing insights from Ireland’s EU experience, Byrne elaborated on the numerous advantages of EU membership, particularly concerning economic growth and improved international collaboration. He reassured that Ireland will continue to be a dependable ally to Montenegro during the accession process, well beyond its EU Council Presidency.

The two officials also explored specific avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation. They particularly focused on the potential establishment of direct air links between Ireland and Montenegro, along with areas where Ireland could offer expertise and assistance during its presidency—specifically in rule of law, green transition, digitalization, and capacity building.

Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović pointed out Montenegro’s substantial investment opportunities, particularly in tourism, energy, information technology, and the development of transport infrastructure, including highways and rail networks.

In light of regional developments, the discussion addressed broader challenges and the outlook for EU integration in the Western Balkans. Ivanović reiterated Montenegro’s support for all nations aspiring to join the EU and emphasized the importance of a merit-based approach to accession.

Both parties concluded that Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović’s forthcoming visit to Ireland would present an excellent opportunity to further strengthen bilateral relations and showcase Montenegro as a reliable and responsible partner.

The meeting concluded with a consensus that Montenegro boasts a stable political framework, a clear reform path, and robust public support for European integration—positioning it as a credible candidate and trustworthy partner on its journey toward EU membership.