Minister Byrne meets Montenegrin Minister of European Affairs to discuss EU candidacy

• From: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Published on: 25 June 2026
• Last updated on: 25 June 2026

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, today (25 June) hosted the Minister of European Affairs of Montenegro, Maida Gorčević, at Iveagh House.

The visit by Minister Gorčević follows extensive and prior engagement between Minister Byrne and members of the Montenegrin government. EU enlargement is a priority of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and Montenegro is a frontrunner for EU membership. The Chief Negotiator for EU Accession of Montenegro also joined Minister Gorčević's on her visit to Dublin.

Speaking after the meeting, Minister Byrne said: "2026 is a historic year for Montenegro, as it marks the twentieth anniversary of their regaining independence. Last year, I had the opportunity to visit Montenegro and saw first-hand the impressive reforms that are underway in the country. These reforms are continuing and I commend Montenegro on the sustained progress made. During my meeting with Minister Gorčević today, I reaffirmed Ireland's steadfast support for Montenegro's journey towards EU membership, particularly as we take the helm of the EU Presidency, one week from today."

While in Dublin, Minister Gorčević will also engage with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs and give a keynote address with European Movement Ireland.