Ibrahimović at Bled Strategic Forum: Geopolitics Creates Opportunities, Reforms Build Credibility, and Results Should Lead to Membership

On the panel, alongside Ibrahimović, participated European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi, Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Olta Xhaçka, Slovenian State Secretary for European and Foreign Affairs Tamara Vajngerl Požar, Boston University Global Studies Professor Frederic S. Pardee Vesko Garčević, German Federal Foreign Office Director for Western Balkans Natali Kauter, and European Council on Foreign Relations Deputy Director Vesela Černeva. Discussing the impact of the changed geopolitical context on enlargement policy, Ibrahimović stated that the war in Ukraine has shifted the European debate and further confirmed that enlargement is not only a matter of internal transformation of candidate countries but also a strategic and geopolitical investment in Europe's security, stability, and resilience. He emphasized that Montenegro has made significant progress in this regard, recalling the reform processes initiated after obtaining the IPA, including strengthening the rule of law, improving the judiciary and institutional efficiency, intensifying the fight against corruption and organized crime, and further strengthening democratic institutions. When asked whether Montenegro's accession to the EU alone would disrupt the dynamics of the 'Western Balkans Six,' Ibrahimović highlighted that Montenegro's progress would not mean leaving the region but bringing it closer to the European Union. He stressed that Montenegro remains strongly committed to regional cooperation, good neighborly relations, and the European perspective of the entire region, noting that the presidency of the Berlin Process will be used to further strengthen regional connectivity and cooperation.