Spajić, Costa: 2025 and 2026 will be key years for Montenegro’s EU path, now is the time for enlargement

Montenegro must seize the current momentum and make a decisive step toward European Union membership during this and the following year, agreed Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and President of the European Council António Costa during their meeting at Villa Gorica.

Prime Minister Spajić emphasized that reforms related to the European integration process remain a central focus of institutional efforts, and that the goal for Montenegro to become the 28th member of the EU by 2028 is both realistic and achievable.

The Government and parliamentary majority are determined for Montenegro to be fully prepared for membership by the end of 2026 or early 2027.

We are working very intensively to meet all necessary conditions. It is crucial for the citizens of Montenegro to see a tangible demonstration of the political will from all relevant actors to fulfill the commitment to EU integration. Our ministries are efficiently implementing the technical aspects of obligations, and I am confident that we will also reach the required political consensus. In parallel, we are actively strengthening our diplomatic ties, which play a key role in this process, the Prime Minister stated.

He added that Montenegro counts on the support of the European Union-not only in the accession process but also in other areas-especially highlighting the importance of the Growth Plan as a tool for showcasing the economic benefits of EU membership.

European Council President António Costa emphasized that it is inspiring to see how far Montenegro has advanced on its European path.

This is the result of your ambition, dedication, and clear orientation toward becoming an EU member state. You are achieving not only reform results but also full alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, particularly through your support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. It is now of critical importance that you maintain this course-stay focused on the goal and do not slow down this impressive pace, Costa said.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that preserving good neighborly relations must remain a top priority, in line with the core values of the European Union.

In that context, Montenegro's full alignment with EU foreign and security policy was underlined as a strong indicator of the country's status as a credible and predictable partner.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić, Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević, Montenegro's Head of Mission to the EU Petar Marković, and EU Ambassador to Montenegro Johann Sattler.