The consistent support of Greece in Montenegro’s accession process toward the European Union, Foreign Minister, George Gerapetritis, following his meeting in Podgorica with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, Ervin Ibraimović.
Mr. Gerapetritis stated that he had the honor of being received by Prime Minister Miloiko Spajić and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, while thanking Mr. Ibrahimović for his warm words toward Greece and toward him personally. He emphasized that Greece’s support for Montenegro is not an obligation, but conscious political choice, aimed at further developing relations between the two countries and facilitating Montenegro’s path toward European integration.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs praised the efforts of the Montenegrin government and, personally, those of Mr. Ibrahimović for promoting the necessary reforms, noting that Montenegro’s accession to the European Union will be mutually beneficial both for the country itself and for the EU.
Referring to the 20th anniversary of Montenegro’s independence, he emphasized that this is a significant milestone for the country and its people, while noting that Greece and Montenegro are linked by traditional bonds of friendship, mutual respect, and shared historical references.
“High Level of Bilateral Relations”
Mr. Gerapetritis emphasized that today’s discussion confirmed the high level of bilateral relations and the significant scope for further cooperation in many areas. He also emphasized that the two countries, as NATO allies and neighbors, have a common interest in promoting peace, security, and prosperity in Southeast Europe.
He placed particular emphasis on Montenegro’s European perspective, noting that Greece conveys not only its own support but also a broader message of solidarity on behalf of the European Union. At the same time, he congratulated the country on hosting the EU–Western Balkans Summit, at which Greece was represented by the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister—a fact which, as he said, demonstrates the importance Athens attaches to the region’s European perspective.
The accession of the Western Balkans to the EU is a strategic choice
The Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the accession of the Western Balkans to the EU is a strategic choice that will contribute to stability, peace, and development in a region that has experienced serious turmoil and conflicts in the past.
At the same time, he welcomed the progress Montenegro has made in meeting the accession criteria, while making special mention of the country’s full alignment with the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, describing it as a significant achievement that demonstrates the convergence of views on international security issues.
As he noted, the launch of the process to draft Montenegro’s Accession Treaty constitutes a substantial recognition of the progress that has been made and confirms the country’s position as a pioneer in the Western Balkans’ accession process. He also expressed the hope that the transition from the negotiation stage to full accession will accelerate in the near future.
“Greece will continue to provide expertise”
Mr. Gerapetritis reiterated that Greece will continue to provide expertise and support on issues of reform and the integration of the European acquis, recalling that since the Thessaloniki Agenda in 2003 Athens has consistently been one of the strongest supporters of the European perspective for the Western Balkans.
In this context, he also referred to the Delphi Declaration, noting that in view of Greece’s presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2027, Greece is committed to keeping the issue of enlargement toward the Western Balkans high on the European agenda. In fact, described as a “major goal” the possibility that Greece would welcome Montenegro as a new EU member state during its presidency.
A significant portion of the talks was also devoted to bilateral relations. The Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that the two sides discussed the further development of economic cooperation in the areas of trade, tourism, environmental technology, academic cooperation, and culture.
He made special mention of cooperation to promote regional interconnectivity in the sectors of energy, infrastructure, ports, and transportation, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Adriatic-Ionian Motorway – Ionian Motorway for boosting trade, tourism, and business partnerships.
Exploring new investment opportunities
At the same time, he announced that an agreement had been reached to organize a business mission from Greece to Podgorica in the near future, with the aim of explore new investment opportunities and partnerships between businesses in the two countries.
Mr. Gerapetritis also highlighted the growing flow of visitors between Greece and Montenegro, noting that direct flights play a decisive role in strengthening the ties between the two peoples and fostering mutual understanding.
In closing, he thanked Mr. Ibraimović for his hospitality and constructive cooperation, assuring him that Greece would continue to stand by Montenegro both bilaterally and on its path to accession to the European Union, a development which, as he emphasized, will strengthen both Montenegro itself and the European Union as a whole.
