Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović attended a meeting in Rome with foreign ministers from the Friends of the Western Balkans Group and Western Balkans foreign ministers alongside the European Commission.

The gathering was organized by Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, featuring foreign ministers from both the Western Balkans and EU member states within the Friends of the Western Balkans Group, as well as EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.

Discussions focused on the importance of incorporating the Western Balkans into the European Union, highlighting that this integration would enhance collective security, with a unified commitment to accelerating the accession process for both the EU and candidate nations.

Key discussion points included enhancing cooperation with Western Balkan countries, expediting accession negotiations, and establishing shared priorities for the next phase of the integration journey.

At the high-level meeting, participants agreed on the necessity of gradual integration based on individual merit, ensuring that the region’s citizens can derive real benefits from EU membership prior to formal accession.

Kaja Kallas, the High Representative, underscored that the nations of the Western Balkans are essential partners in promoting collective security, while also stressing the importance of bolstering the region’s resilience against hybrid threats and new challenges.

She highlighted that the EU enlargement process is a mutual interest and serves as an investment in security.

Despite various hurdles, participants reaffirmed their belief that EU enlargement is among the Union’s most effective policies. They expressed their unwavering support for the Western Balkans to continue implementing crucial reforms and making progress towards membership.

Minister Ibrahimović emphasized the critical need to keep the Western Balkans a priority on the EU agenda, identifying the Friends of the Western Balkans Group as a pivotal force in enhancing the region’s European aspirations.

He conveyed his appreciation to his counterparts for sustaining this cooperative framework, interpreting it as a definitive indication that the Western Balkans has a place within the EU.

A robust European Union is more vital to the global landscape today than ever before, and the momentum for enlargement is gaining strength. We cannot afford any delays. Any distraction or lost opportunity that jeopardizes the European integration process only serves third-party interests. We all share the responsibility to capitalize on this moment. This is what the people of Montenegro expect from us, alongside our international partners and allies who support us, Ibrahimović concluded.