Minister Byrne to visit Albania and Montenegro

The Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, will travel to Albania and Montenegro this week (21-25 July 2025).

With less than a year to go before Ireland takes on the Presidency of the Council of the EU, Minister Byrne will promote the EU enlargement agenda and discuss EU integration efforts in both countries. The visit will also provide an opportunity to renew bilateral relations with the two Adriatic states.

Speaking in advance of the visit, Minister Byrne said: “The illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia has demonstrated the importance of EU enlargement, as a geostrategic investment in a peaceful, secure and prosperous Europe. Ireland has benefited enormously from over half a century of EU membership, and during my visit, I will convey Ireland’s strong support for a merit-based enlargement of the EU.

“I will take the opportunity to commend Albania and Montenegro for their significant efforts to implement the necessary reforms to align with EU standards. I will encourage the Albanian government and Montenegrin government to maintain their EU integration efforts in the period ahead, so that we can work together to deliver real progress on their EU candidacies, during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU next year.”

During his visit, Minister Byrne will undertake meetings with members of the government of Albania and members of the government of Montenegro.

In Albania, Minister Byrne will meet with:

• Igli Hasani, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania
• Endrit Yzeiraj, Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania
• Anila Denaj, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development of the Republic of Albania

In Montenegro, Minister Byrne will meet with:

• Filip Ivanovic, Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs of Montenegro
• Maida Gorčević, Minister for European Affairs of Montenegro
• Ervin Ibrahimović, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Montenegro

ENDS

Press Office

21 July 2025