Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ervin Ibrahimović, visited the headquarters of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) in Sarajevo on Wednesday, where he met with RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanović, the organisation said.
Talks focused on Montenegro’s progress towards European Union membership following the European Commission’s 2025 Enlargement Package, and on ways to advance regional cooperation through the Common Regional Market (CRM) and the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
Kapetanović congratulated Montenegro on the provisional closure of four negotiation chapters and its continued commitment to completing EU accession talks by the end of 2026.
“Montenegro’s strong reform drive and commitment to EU integration are an encouraging signal for the entire region,” Kapetanović said, adding that the RCC would continue to support Montenegro and other Western Balkan partners in implementing the Common Regional Market, digital and green transition, and deeper economic integration with the EU.
He said the RCC would extend full support to Montenegro as it prepares to take over the chairmanship of the Berlin Process in 2026.
Ibrahimović reaffirmed Montenegro’s commitment to reforms and inclusive regional cooperation, saying the 2025 Enlargement Report recognised the country as the frontrunner in the EU accession process. He thanked the RCC for its contribution and reiterated Montenegro’s support for its work.
The two officials also discussed Montenegro’s first SEPA transactions, which mark an important milestone in regional financial integration, with estimated savings of up to 14 million euros annually for Montenegro.
Talks also covered Montenegro’s active role in the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) and the South East Europe 2030 Strategy, highlighting the importance of regional solidarity and dialogue as key pillars on the region’s path towards EU membership.