Bulgaria and Montenegro to Work Towards Better Connectivity and More Business Contacts
18 September 2026 News
Bulgaria will continue to support Montenegro in its accession to the European Union. It is important to preserve the progress achieved and continue the reforms so that the country can take advantage of the opportunity before it. This was stated by Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova at a meeting with Filip Ivanović, Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro for Foreign and European Affairs.
Minister Petrova emphasised the importance of a predictable and results-based European Union enlargement process. She described Montenegro’s European integration as important not only for the country itself, but also for the European perspective of the entire region, and reaffirmed Bulgaria’s readiness to continue sharing its experience and expertise in this regard.
The meeting focused on opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, improve transport connectivity and expand trade and economic ties. “The strong political foundation must also translate into tangible economic results,” Minister Velislava Petrova said. In this context, she highlighted the important role of economic diplomacy in promoting direct contacts between businesses and turning opportunities for cooperation into concrete partnerships.
An important step towards improving connectivity will be the future launch of a direct air service between Sofia and Podgorica. Minister Petrova noted that such a connection would facilitate business contacts, promote tourism between the two countries and create additional investment opportunities. The two sides will continue to coordinate their efforts to find a sustainable solution, including with regard to the operator and the conditions for launching the service.
Tourism, energy, defence, culture and science were also identified as promising areas for further bilateral cooperation. Minister Petrova noted the potential for developing regional tourism through better connectivity and the joint promotion of Bulgaria and the Western Balkans as a tourist destination. The forthcoming meeting of the Joint Bulgarian-Montenegrin Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation will provide an opportunity to discuss specific business partnerships and explore opportunities to expand bilateral trade.
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