Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister Ervin Ibrahimović met with UK Ambassador Dawn McKen to discuss Montenegro’s EU accession path and regional cooperation within the Western Balkans. The meeting highlighted the UK’s commitment to the region through initiatives like the Berlin Process, with both nations emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration.

Key Takeaways

  • The UK reaffirms its commitment to the Western Balkans through its organization of key meetings within the Berlin Process.
  • Montenegro is ready to actively participate and contribute to the success of these regional gatherings.
  • The Berlin Process is recognized as a vital tool for advancing European integration and fostering joint projects among Western Balkan countries.
  • Bilateral relations between Montenegro and the UK are strong, built on a NATO partnership and UK support for reforms.
  • The UK aims to deepen cooperation with the EU, which will benefit the European perspective of the Western Balkans.

Berlin Process: A Catalyst for Integration

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, Ervin Ibrahimović, held a productive meeting with the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Montenegro, Dawn McKen. The discussion centered on Ibrahimović’s upcoming participation in the Meeting of Foreign Ministers within the Berlin Process in Belfast. Ibrahimović extended congratulations to the UK for organizing both the ministerial meeting and the preceding Berlin Process Summit in London, underscoring these events as affirmations of the UK’s dedication to the Western Balkans. Montenegro expressed its eagerness to contribute actively to the success of these significant gatherings.

Ibrahimović articulated that the Berlin Process serves as a crucial mechanism for injecting further momentum into European integration efforts. He noted that it provides essential political and technical frameworks enabling Western Balkan countries to collaboratively advance projects and elevate standards in alignment with the European agenda. He particularly emphasized the inclusive and functional nature of the Process, benefiting all nations in the region irrespective of their individual EU accession negotiation timelines, and highlighted its complementary role to formal integration mechanisms.

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Accelerating Regional Preparedness

Ambassador McKen concurred, stating that the Berlin Process effectively accelerates the region’s preparations for EU membership. This acceleration is achieved through practical cooperation in key areas such as economic connectivity, green and digital transitions, and youth mobility. She expressed satisfaction that Montenegro, through its forthcoming chairmanship, will have a valuable opportunity to further champion this approach.

The two officials also explored the broader landscape of bilateral relations between Montenegro and the United Kingdom. These relations are characterized by a stable NATO partnership, close political cooperation, and robust British support for Montenegro’s ongoing democratic and structural reforms. The significance of the UK’s continued backing for Montenegro’s European aspirations was particularly acknowledged.

Deepening Partnership and European Perspective

It was mutually agreed that the United Kingdom is keen on further strengthening its partnership with the European Union. This strategic alignment is expected to create avenues for enhanced cooperation and contribute positively to the European perspective of the Western Balkans. The discussion also underscored the active collaboration between the UK, the EU, Montenegro, and other regional countries through the Berlin Process, as well as through the summits of the European Political Community.

Montenegro and UK Discuss EU Integration and Regional Cooperation

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