H.E. Mr. Dimitrios Gioldassis, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to Montenegro
In an interview with Diplomacy and Commerce Montenegro magazine, H.E. Mr. Dimitrios Gioldassis, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to Montenegro, discusses key aspects of the bilateral cooperation between the two countries. From economic exchange and investment opportunities, to shared geopolitical goals within NATO and the EU, as well as deep-rooted cultural and historical ties – Ambassador Gioldassis offers a comprehensive overview of Greek-Montenegrin relations. The conversation also highlights the legacy of Vaso Brajović and reflects on the challenges of modern diplomacy through the philosophical lens of Heraclitus’s concept of Panta rei.
Your Excellency, Mr. Gioldassis, how do you assess the current level of economic cooperation between Greece and Montenegro? Do you see potential for a greater presence of Greek investments in Montenegro, and in which sectors?
The current level of economic cooperation between Greece and Montenegro is in a growth phase, holds, however, significant potential for expansion. Both countries have maintained friendly bilateral relations and share common interests as part of the broader Southeast European and Mediterranean region. I believe that there is a solid foundation to build upon, especially considering Greece being an EU member state and Montenegro’s EU accession ambitions, shared regional infrastructure and tourism interests and Greece’s experience in sectors where Montenegro is seeking development.
The overall trade volume between Greece and Montenegro could be further enhanced. Key Greek exports to Montenegro include, among others, fuel, food products, pharmaceuticals, construction materials etc. In my opinion, there is definitely potential for a greater presence of Greek investments in Montenegro.
I would like to highlight, among others, a few possible areas of cooperation such as:
Renewable Energy, since Montenegro has rich hydropower and solar potential, and Greece has developed expertise in renewable energy technologies.
Real Estate and Construction i.e. development of residential complexes, commercial spaces or- resorts.
Agriculture and Food Processing, because both countries share a similar Mediterranean climate and agricultural tradition. Greek expertise in food branding (e.g., olive oil, wine, dairy) could be valuable in joint ventures in organic farming, wine production, or agro-tourism.
Last but not least, Maritime and Shipping Services, as Greece is a global leader in the shipping industry and Montenegro is developing its port infrastructure, which provides opportunities in investments e.g. in port logistics, ferry services, or marina management.
As a NATO and EU member, how does Greece perceive Montenegro’s role in maintaining the stability of the Western Balkans? Also, in your opinion, what are the key obstacles to regional stability, and how can they best be overcome?
Greece, as one of countries that joined NATO and EU at an earlier stage, views Montenegro as a constructive and stabilizing factor in the Western Balkans. Our country consistently supports Montenegro’s Euro-Atlantic integration, as well as broader regional cooperation, seeing it as essential to long-term peace and prosperity in Southeast Europe. Montenegro’s accession to NATO in 2017 was welcomed by Greece as a step that strengthens collective security in the Adriatic and Balkans. We see Montenegro’s NATO membership as a deterrent against regional instability and external influence.
As well known, Greece is a strong proponent of EU enlargement in the Western Balkans. Our firm position is that the European Perspective of the Western Balkans will strengthen regional security and stability. Since 2003 and Thessaloniki Summit, Greece has been playing an important role in this direction and will continue to do so. We fully support Montenegro’s EU path, indeed as a “front runner” candidate. Furthermore, Greece views Montenegro’s alignment with EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy as a model for other countries in the region. Answering to the second part of your question, I think that, despite progress achieved, Western Balkans still face multiple interlocking challenges such as ethnic tensions, weak rule of law, politicized judiciary, and corruption. Slow reform implementation and foreign influence could also be considered as a problem. To overcome these obstacles, the EU should reinvigorate the enlargement process, promoting cross-border economic projects and infrastructure investment. EU investment frameworks like the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans can help, inter alia, to more people-to-people initiatives. In my view, Montenegro represents a symbol of the region’s potential – if reforms are sustained and cooperation deepened.
Montenegro has long been considered a leader in European integration in the Western Balkans, with EU membership remaining its most important strategic goal. Brussels has provided encouragement by suggesting that Montenegro could become the 28th full-fledged EU member by 2028. Considering Greece’s experience in the accession process, how do you assess Montenegro’s progress toward the EU so far, and do you believe it is realistic for the country to achieve full membership within this timeframe? Montenegro’s journey toward European Union membership has indeed been a noteworthy example among the Western Balkan states. Since opening accession negotiations in 2012, Montenegro has made steady progress, positioning itself as a frontrunner in the region. It has opened all 33 negotiating chapters and provisionally closed a total of six (three last December) – a sign of its institutional commitment and political will to meet the EU acquis requirements. However, while the momentum has been encouraging, the path ahead remains complex and politically sensitive.
Drawing on Greece’s own experience, I could say that Montenegro faces many familiar challenges. Greece’s accession followed after a period of intense reforms and democratization, and despite differing historical and political contexts, Montenegro also needs to demonstrate sustained commitment to rule of law, judicial independence and fighting corruption. These are not just bureaucratic milestones but deep reforms that affect the structure and fabric of the state. That said, Montenegro has certain advantages. Its relatively small size and population make it more manageable in terms of alignment with EU norms, and there has been broad political consensus on the European orientation of the country. This has earned it consistent praise from Brussels. We could argue that Montenegro is well-positioned but still faces significant internal challenges. The 2028 goal is realistic only if reforms accelerate and political stability is maintained. Drawing from Greece’s accession, the lesson is clear: political commitment and institutional reforms are the pillars of successful integration. In conclusion, if Montenegro maintains its reform momentum, political stability, and aligns consistently with EU values, 2028 could be a realistic target.
Greece was among the first countries to recognize Montenegro’s independence. How do you assess our cultural and historical ties today?
Greece and Montenegro share deep-rooted cultural and historical ties that are grounded in the broader context of Balkan history, shared Orthodox Christian heritage, and longstanding people-to-people connections. Greece’s early recognition of Montenegro’s independence in 2006 was not only a diplomatic gesture but also a reflection of historical goodwill and mutual respect between the two nations. Historically, both countries have navigated similar challenges – from Ottoman rule to the complexities of modern nation-building – and this common past fosters a unique sense of understanding.
I believe that culturally, the relationship is one of mutual admiration. Greek culture, from philosophy and literature to contemporary music and cinema, enjoys respect in Montenegro, while Montenegrin traditions, with a strong sense of national pride, poetry, and epic storytelling, resonate well with Greek cultural values. This mutual cultural appreciation is often reflected in academic exchanges, tourism, and cooperation in the arts.
In more recent years, Greece has consistently supported Montenegro’s European aspirations, offering both technical expertise and political backing. This support is not just strategic but stems from a genuine belief in Montenegro’s European future and the stability of the Western Balkans, as a region intrinsically linked to Europe’s cohesion.
On the people-to-people level, tourism and economic cooperation have fostered closer connections. Many Montenegrins visit Greece for leisure or study, and Greek businesses are increasingly exploring opportunities in Montenegro, particularly in sectors like tourism, energy, and infrastructure.
In conclusion, the ties between Greece and Montenegro today are characterized by mutual respect, cultural kinship, and a shared vision for a stable, European-oriented Balkans. These ties continue to grow not only through official diplomatic channels but also through the everyday exchanges of citizens, artists, students, and entrepreneurs – laying the foundation for an enduring partnership in the years to come.
Vaso Brajović is a significant figure in Greek-Montenegrin relations. Do you believe his legacy is sufficiently recognized in Montenegro, and are there any initiatives to promote his contributions more widely through cultural and educational projects?
Vaso Brajović, known in Greece as Vasos Mavrovouniotis, was a Montenegrin-born general who played a significant role in the Greek War of Independence. His contributions have been acknowledged in both Greece and Montenegro, reflecting the enduring ties between the two nations.
In Montenegro, Brajović’s legacy has been honored through various initiatives.
Notably, on March 26, 2025, President Mr. Jakov Milatović honored us by laying a wreath at his monument in Podgorica to commemorate Greek Independence Day, together with the mayors of Podgorica and Danilovgrad. President Milatović highlighted Brajović’s “immeasurable contribution to the freedom of the Greek people” and emphasized that “his heroism embodies values deeply rooted in the histories of both countries”.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Filip Ivanović, during his visit in Athens in 2024, used the opportunity to laid wreath in the tomb of Vasos Mavrovouniotis, emphasizing that “Vaso Brajović was a very prominent military figure of the 19th century in Greece, who was of Montenegrin origin, so it is just one of the very important historical figures that tie our two countries and our two peoples”. The aforementioned ceremonial acts are examples of official recognition, however I believe that there is room for more extensive initiatives, such as educational programs, exhibitions, or collaborative research projects, to further illuminate his impact and strengthen the cultural bonds between Montenegro and Greece.
Greece is the cradle of philosophy, education, and the art of thought. Are we yet again witnessing Heraclitus’s idea of Panta rei in modern diplomacy, and what can we draw from it in the changing landscape of geopolitics and international economy?
Indeed, Greece, as the cradle of philosophy, offers timeless insights into the ever-evolving dynamics of our world – and few are more fitting for today’s geopolitical landscape than Heraclitus’s concept of Panta rei, “everything flows”.
In the realm of modern diplomacy and international economics, we are undeniably witnessing a vivid expression of this idea. The world is in constant motion – alliances shift, global power balances recalibrate, economies are transformed by technology and crises, and new actors emerge on the international stage. The invasion of Ukraine, rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, climate-related challenges, and the digitalization of finance all underscore how fluid and interconnected our geopolitical and economic environments have become.
Heraclitus teaches us that change is not only inevitable – it is foundational to existence. This philosophical lens can enrich how we interpret diplomacy today. No alliance, rivalry, or strategic framework is permanent. States must adapt to survive and thrive. Diplomatic agility, much like the philosophical embrace of impermanence, is becoming an essential virtue.
Panta rei also challenges us to view crises not only as threats but as opportunities for transformation. In economics, the emergence of green and digital transitions, reshoring of supply chains, and new energy policies illustrate how fluid global markets are – but also how resilience can be built by those who read the currents rather than resist them.