The Committee on International Relations and Diaspora of Montenegro has unanimously supported the appointment of Dubravka Lalović and Marija Lakić Barfus as ambassadors to France and Switzerland. Lalović, a career diplomat with 24 years of experience, emphasized the importance of cooperation with France in the context of European integration and NATO membership. She highlighted that the European perspective for the Balkans has no alternative and that France provides strong support for EU enlargement. Members of parliament asked questions about the internal political situation in France, the impact of changes in government on EU policy, and the rising popularity of Marine Le Pen and its effect on European integration. Lalović responded that she will closely monitor the situation and that France is a developed democracy with a broad political spectrum. The second candidate, Marija Lakić Barfus, a professional diplomat with 20 years of experience, noted that Montenegro currently lacks an embassy in Bern and that opening an embassy could encourage Switzerland to open one in Podgorica. She emphasized that around 22,000 Montenegrin emigrants live in Switzerland, which will be a significant part of her work. MPs asked questions about the potential impact of a referendum in Switzerland on relations with the EU and the legal consequences for Switzerland. Lakić Barfus replied that Switzerland tends to strengthen relations with the EU and does not foresee negative consequences for the region or Montenegro’s European integration. Both candidates received unanimous committee support. This decision comes at a time when the European perspective for the Balkans remains a key issue, and relations with France and Switzerland are of great importance to Montenegro. The committee demonstrated unity in supporting these appointments, which may signal stability and commitment to European integration. If you have thoughts on these appointments or Montenegro’s role in European integration, feel free to drop a comment — who knows, your word might spark a new diplomatic storm!
