Ibrahimović pays an official visit to Vienna: Austria a reliable partner on Montenegro’s European path; strengthening bilateral cooperation and political dialogue

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović is paying a two-day official visit to Austria.

During the first day of the visit, he met with the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger, as well as with the Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Family at the Federal Chancellery Claudia Bauer.

In open and substantive discussions, it was confirmed that the friendship between Montenegro and Austria rests on historical continuity and a long-standing tradition of mutual respect, cooperation across nearly all areas, as well as a shared interest in intensive political dialogue. In this context, particular emphasis was placed on Austria's support for Montenegro's European path, for which Minister Ibrahimović expressed his gratitude.

Ibrahimović stressed that Montenegro has a generational goal - membership in the European Union - which also represents a key message to young people: Montenegro and the Western Balkans have a clear European perspective.

Minister Meinl-Reisinger underlined that the European Union needs a successful enlargement story, noting that Montenegro is the undisputed frontrunner in the process, expressing confidence that all necessary reforms will be completed by the end of the year.

The interlocutors agreed that the European future of the Western Balkans is a prerequisite for the long-term stability of the European continent. In this regard, Minister Ibrahimović reiterated Montenegro's determination to conclude negotiations by the end of the year, with the aim of becoming the next EU member by 2028.

During the discussions, special emphasis was placed on Austria's role as a country that understands the specificities and challenges of the region, as well as its significant engagement within the Friends of the Western Balkans Group, thereby further confirming its commitment to stability, reforms and the full integration of the region into the EU.

The interlocutors also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, which Montenegro strongly supports through strengthening good neighbourly relations and active participation in regional initiatives.

It was particularly emphasised that Montenegro is chairing the Berlin Process this year, in which Austria is a partner country, as well as the Western Balkans Fund, thereby further contributing to connecting the region with the EU.

During the meeting with Minister Bauer, strong and continuous support from Austria for Montenegro's European integration was highlighted, with emphasis on a merit-based approach grounded in individual achievements. It was assessed that Montenegro's EU membership would be of exceptional importance both for candidate countries and for the EU itself, as it would strengthen the credibility of the enlargement policy and confirm that the European family continues to expand, with a positive impact on the overall stability and future of the Union.

During the meetings, particular emphasis was placed on the importance of the Montenegrin diaspora in Austria, which represents a bridge between the two countries, as well as the growing interest of Austrian investors in investing in Montenegro, particularly in the energy sector.

On the second day of the visit, Minister Ibrahimović will meet with the Second President of the National Council, Peter Haubner.