Ibrahimović participates in the CEI Ministerial Meeting

Montenegro has entered the final stage of its European integration process, with a focus on closing four negotiation chapters by the end of the year. A positive Interim Benchmark Assessment Report (IBAR) and the Progress Report have provided additional motivation for advancing reforms, emphasised Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović at the Central European Initiative (CEI) Ministerial Meeting held in Tirana.

Ibrahimović expressed his satisfaction with Montenegro's recognition as a constructive regional actor, committed to dialogue and European values.

Regional cooperation is one of the priorities of our foreign policy, a driver of development and economic prosperity, and a prerequisite for further progress on the European path. We will continue to contribute to strengthening regional and global stability, focusing on reforms under the European agenda and firmly determined to become an EU member by 2028, stated Minister Ibrahimović.

He highlighted the importance of EU support through the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which is set to bring new momentum to development and economic cooperation in the region. The role of CEI and other regional platforms is indispensable in this context, especially in fostering regional economic integration, which serves as a stepping stone toward full participation in the EU single market, Ibrahimović added.

Addressing current geopolitical challenges in Europe and beyond, the Deputy Prime Minister underscored the importance of upholding a rules-based international order and the collective action of the international community to defend the principles of international law and protect civilians.

At today's ministerial meeting in Tirana, former Italian Senator Franco Dal Mas was appointed as the new Secretary-General of CEI. Recommendations and guidelines for further strengthening the initiative were also agreed upon.

The Central European Initiative (CEI) is the oldest regional initiative focused on institutional and project-based cooperation. Its mission is to support European integration and promote sustainable development through political dialogue and multilateral diplomacy. With today's meeting, Albania concludes its year-long CEI Presidency, passing the role to Serbia, which will assume the presidency on 1 January 2025.