CEI Secretary General Hon. Franco Dal Mas, paid an official visit to Podgorica on 2 April, where he met with the Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, Ervin Ibrahimović.
The visit provided an important opportunity to discuss the CEI agenda, with a particular focus on regional cooperation, the European integration process, and support for Ukraine.
During the meeting, the Secretary General acknowledged Montenegro’s recent progress in its EU accession process, including the provisional closure of three additional negotiation chapters in December 2024. He also expressed hope that the country would soon join the European Union.
“The accession of the Western Balkans to the European Union would contribute significantly to the stability of the continent. Montenegro has made great strides, establishing itself as a front-runner in the European integration process. The CEI is ready to support the country through concrete actions such as the 'Falcone-Borsellino' project, aimed at promoting judicial diplomacy and strengthening the fight against corruption and organised crime, thus facilitating the closure of additional negotiation chapters,” stated Dal Mas.
Minister Ibrahimović stressed that Montenegro’s EU accession, with 2028 as the target year, would represent an important message of peace and a source of encouragement for other countries in the region. He highlighted the shared values and readiness of the Western Balkans to become part of the European family. He further emphasised that the meeting confirmed the strength of cooperation with a key Organisation for enhancing regional collaboration and supporting Montenegro’s European path. In this context, he added that CEI’s support served as a vital point of reference for the country.
The meeting also included an analysis of the current geopolitical context, with particular reference to the war in Ukraine and its implications for regional stability. The Secretary General reaffirmed the CEI’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine, also through increased institutional engagement.
Both sides reaffirmed their shared belief that good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation were fundamental pillars of stability and prosperity, and key elements in the European perspective of the Western Balkans.
Secretary General Dal Mas invited Minister Ibrahimović to visit the CEI Headquarters in Trieste, reiterating the Organisation’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Montenegro and supporting its efforts toward a more stable, secure, and prosperous future.
Inspiring talks also took place with Ambassador of Italy to Montenegro, Andreina Marsella.
