The fifth edition of the "EU Meets the Balkans" forum was held at "Sofia Tech Park," organized by the European Liberal Forum (ELF) in cooperation with the ALDE Party and the Atlantic Club in Bulgaria. The event focused on the aspirations of the Western Balkan countries and the stages of their accession process to the European Union. The panel discussion "Voice of the Region: The Balkans' Path in a Competitive World" included representatives from Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Romania, and Turkey, with Maria Simeonova — a political researcher and Director of the European Council on Foreign Relations office in Sofia — moderating the conversation.
During the forum, Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova held a meeting with Filip Ivanović, Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of Montenegro. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) press center reported that Bulgaria will continue to support Montenegro on its path toward the European Union. Minister Petrova emphasized that it is essential to preserve the progress achieved through reforms to realize the opportunities opening up for the country.
Montenegro's European integration is key to the future prospects of the entire region, not just the country itself, Minister Petrova stated. She confirmed Bulgaria's readiness to share its experience and expertise, calling for an EU enlargement process that is predictable and based on concrete results.
One of the most significant steps toward improving connectivity between the two countries is the planned launch of a direct air link between Sofia and Podgorica. This connection will stimulate tourism exchange, facilitate business contacts, and create new investment opportunities, Minister Petrova noted. The two sides will work together to find a sustainable solution, coordinating matters regarding the operator and the conditions for implementing the flights.
Key highlights of the conversation included expanding trade and economic contacts, improving transport connectivity, and deepening bilateral cooperation. "A solid political foundation must be reflected in real economic results," Minister Velislava Petrova quoted. In this regard, she highlighted the role of economic diplomacy in turning opportunities into real partnerships and encouraging direct business-to-business contacts.
Bulgaria and Montenegro see promising areas for development in the following sectors:
- tourism;
- energy;
- defense;
- culture;
- science.
Minister Petrova also pointed to the potential for developing regional tourism through the joint promotion of Bulgaria and the Western Balkans as a tourist destination, supported by improved connectivity. According to the MFA announcement, the upcoming meeting of the Joint Bulgarian-Montenegrin Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation will serve as an appropriate forum to discuss specific business partnerships and to track opportunities for expanding trade exchange.