The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, Ervin Ibrahimović, participated in Sarajevo, in the capacity of the leader of the Bosniak Party, at the meeting of the European People’s Party (EPP), where he spoke on a panel dedicated to the European Union enlargement policy and the role of the EPP in the Western Balkans.
In his address, Ibrahimović, as stated by the Bosniak Party, pointed out that the enlargement of the European Union is not only a technical process, but a strategic issue for the future of Europe, stressing that the countries of the Western Balkans must not remain in the “lobby of Europe”. As he stated, a clear European perspective of the region contributes to greater stability, security and democratic development, while at the same time reducing the space for nationalism, political instability and negative external influences.
“Speaking about the European path of Montenegro, Ibrahimović said that the goal of membership in the European Union by 2028 is ambitious, but achievable if the implementation of reforms continues with political responsibility and institutional commitment. He emphasized that Montenegro’s ambition for full membership is not only a path of valuable identification with the EU, which was chosen by its leadership, but also a roadmap for other countries in the region to follow in order for the enlargement policy to reach its full momentum and achieve the goal of a strong and complete European Union,” the Bosniak Party states.
As reported, he pointed out that the final stage of the negotiation process requires not only the continuation of reforms, but also strong political support from European partners.
“In this context, he emphasized the importance of the European People’s Party as a political family that can make a key contribution to preserving the enlargement policy among the priorities of the European Union and provide support to countries that achieve concrete results in the area of the rule of law, democracy and strengthening of institutions,” they said in a statement.
A special part of the address was, as announced, dedicated to the role of the Bosniak Party in Montenegrin society and its contribution to the European development of the country.
Ibrahimović reminded that the Bosniak Party consistently supported all strategic decisions that brought Montenegro closer to NATO, the European Union and the European Democratic Community. He pointed out that European Montenegro must remain a civil, multi-ethnic and inclusive state in which the rights of minority peoples are an integral part of democratic standards and European values.
“Speaking about cooperation with the European People’s Party, Ibrahimović emphasized that the membership of the Bosniak Party in the EPP is based on common values, among which are the rule of law, democracy, freedom, responsibility, solidarity, respect for identity and strong institutions. He assessed that the strengthening of the political space that shares European and reform values further strengthens the European path of Montenegro and contributes to its political stability. He also expressed his satisfaction that the Europa Movement will now become a member of the European People’s Party at the end of this month. assessing that this is an important step for strengthening pro-European forces in Montenegro and confirming the attractiveness of the values that the EPP inherits. He reminded that the Bosniak party strongly supported that process, convinced that the expansion of the EPP family in Montenegro will further strengthen the European agenda, reform processes and the political stability of the country,” the Bosniak party said.
Ibrahimović, as reported, also pointed out the importance of regional cooperation and good neighborly relations, stressing that the future of the Western Balkans cannot be built on divisions and old disputes, but on dialogue, mutual trust and cooperation.
“He confirmed that Montenegro will continue to act as a reliable neighbor, a credible ally in NATO and a responsible future member of the European Union, with full alignment of its foreign policy with European and Euro-Atlantic partners.
Concluding his address, Ibrahimović said that the region needs less division and more Europe, less nationalism and more rule of law, as well as less politics of fear and more cooperation. He pointed out that stability, dialogue, European values and a society in which every citizen feels equal are the foundations of the policy advocated by the Bosniak Party, but also the best path for the European future of Montenegro and the entire region,” the Bosniak Party said.
In front of the BS, the meeting was attended by Vice President and Member of Parliament Jasmin Ćorović, Member of Parliament Kenana Strujić Harbić and Admir Šahmanović, Minister of Energy and Mining and International Secretary of BS. Šahmanović will take part in a round table dedicated to the next steps of the EPP group, within the EU integration of the countries of the Western Balkans.
