Montenegro and Moldova are enhancing their collaboration on the path toward European Union (EU) integration, as noted during a meeting between the two countries’ deputy prime ministers, Filip Ivanović and Kristina Gerasimov.

As per the Montenegrin Government’s announcement, the meeting emphasized exchanging experiences related to European integration.

“Ivanović outlined Montenegro’s strategy for concluding negotiation chapters by 2026, highlighting the significance of political will, effective administration, and skilled personnel in achieving this aim,” the statement indicated.

Ivanović shared Montenegro’s key insights from its reform implementation and negotiation processes, mentioning the primary challenges and effective mechanisms.

“He reiterated Montenegro’s willingness to offer full expert and technical support to Moldova, demonstrating European solidarity. He also reaffirmed Montenegro’s robust backing for the EU enlargement policy, which relies on the individual merits of each candidate nation,” the government mentioned.

According to them, Gerasimov briefed Ivanović on the current status of Moldova’s European integration, which is still in the early stages of the accession process.

She assessed that the screening process is progressing well, underscoring a strong political will to implement essential reforms.

“She further stressed the importance of sharing experiences with nations that have already navigated specific phases of the process, noting that Montenegro can serve as a valuable example and partner,” the statement added.

Following the meeting, Ivanović and Gerasimov signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the Field of European Integration and the Accession Process, laying the groundwork for deepening bilateral relations and facilitating enhanced knowledge sharing, experiences, and best practices throughout all phases of the EU negotiation process.

“As the country that has made the most progress in negotiations with the EU among candidate nations, Montenegro is ready to provide its expertise and knowledge to assist Moldova in the initial phases,” announced the Government.

This document recognizes European integration as a shared strategic objective and reaffirms both countries’ commitment to the principles upon which the EU is built—democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights, and sustainable development.

“The memorandum outlines a broad spectrum of activities, including collaboration in harmonizing legislation with the EU acquis, public administration reform, institutional strengthening, and combating corruption and organized crime,” the statement explained.

Moreover, the Memorandum anticipates joint projects within the framework of the Green Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.

“It also includes organizing joint workshops, training sessions, negotiation team meetings, and study visits, along with establishing mechanisms for cooperative planning and executing activities within the six clusters of the negotiation process,” the statement indicated.

Through these actions, the Government stated that Montenegro and Moldova reaffirm their commitment to accelerating their journey toward full EU membership through mutual support and solidarity.

The signing ceremony for the Memorandum was also attended by the Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević and Montenegro’s Chief Negotiator with the EU, Predrag Zenović.

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