site.btaForeign Minister Reiterates Bulgaria's Support for Montenegro's European Integration

Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev held a bilateral meeting with his Montenegrin counterpart Maida Gorcevic within the international security conference GLOBSEC Forum 2025, which is taking place in Prague on June 12-14, the Foreign Ministry's press centre said on Friday. GLOBSEC is a global think tank based in Bratislava committed to enhancing security, prosperity and sustainability in Europe and throughout the world.

Georgiev stressed that Bulgaria consistently supports Montenegro's European perspective and takes into account the progress the country has made since the formation of the current government in October 2023.

"Montenegro is rightly establishing itself as a leading country in the European Union enlargement process. We welcome the significant progress the country has demonstrated over the last year and hope this positive trend will continue," Georgiev said.

He pointed out that Montenegro's progress is a strong confirmation of the validity of the principle of own merits in the EU enlargement process - a principle that Bulgaria has always defended. "We are not among the uncritical supporters of enlargement, who tend to push it artificially, ignoring the principle of own merits in the name of geopolitical considerations. Your progress proves that sustainable reforms deliver results," Georgiev underlined.

The Bulgarian side assesses as ambitious but achievable Montenegro's goal to conclude membership negotiations by the end of 2026 - this will require strong political will and a sustained commitment to reforms, the press release adds.

The Bulgarian Foreign Minister drew attention to the importance of the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, freedom of expression and the media, as well as the effective fight against corruption and organised crime.

"We congratulate the country on its achievements and encourage you to stay the course of reforms. For its part, Bulgaria remains ready to continue supporting you both politically and by providing expert and technical assistance on your path towards the EU," Georgiev said in conclusion.