PM Spajić’s address at the presentation of the European Commission’s 2025 Report on Montenegro

Esteemed Ambassador Sattler,

Dear members of the media, colleagues from the Government, Excellencies, Ambassadors, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to be here today so that we can jointly review the results and present what Montenegro has truly achieved in 2025.

Montenegro has every reason to be deeply proud of what is reflected in this report. This year's report represents the most positive assessment of our progress so far!

It confirms that our reform commitment, institutional determination, and political stability are recognized in Brussels - and above all, it confirms that we have worked on our national priorities responsibly, diligently, and in the best interest of the citizens of Montenegro.

I take great pleasure in highlighting the remarkable results of the Government, the Parliament, and, of course, the entire negotiating structure and the team behind it, who have shown that Montenegro, although the smallest candidate country, is the most advanced in the process of European Union accession.

Our reform path has not been easy - the starting point was, and still remains, highly challenging - but we prove every day that results come when there is a clear goal and dedication.

The reforms we are implementing directly improve the quality of life of our citizens, modernize and strengthen our institutions, and create conditions for Montenegro to function as a de facto EU member state - already now, even before formal accession.

This report, in addition to all the positives and encouraging assessments we have mentioned, also clearly points to the challenges ahead, which we must jointly address. That, in fact, is the true value of this report - I do not see the European Commission's recommendations as a list of criticisms or reprimands, but rather as a clearly defined roadmap for our negotiating structure, for our administration, for the entire Government, and for the Parliament as well. It is up to us to act on these recommendations and become the next EU member state - hopefully as early as 2028.

Through this report, Montenegro has reaffirmed its leadership position in the EU accession process. Since the last report, we have closed four negotiating chapters, including one of the most demanding from Cluster 1 - Public Procurement - in June of this year. The 2025 report records notable progress in a record number of areas - in as many as 18 negotiating chapters, the European Commission notes improvement compared to last year's report.

It is especially significant that, for the first time, the rule of law chapters reflect such a high level of preparedness. This is a clear sign that the processes we initiated have become sustainable, and we expect to see full results in the coming year, enabling the closure of these chapters.

In the area of the rule of law, tangible progress has been achieved and recognized in this report. Numerous complex investigations have been launched, and a number of indictments have been filed, whose outcomes we expect soon. The Government will continue to improve the environment for the independent work of the prosecution, the police, and the judiciary - thereby strengthening the trust of citizens and international partners in the functioning of our justice institutions.

This synergy between political will and institutional independence represents the true strength of our progress - both in European integration and in the improvement of our citizens' quality of life.

The negotiations are now entering their decisive phase - a phase that requires complex political decisions.

The visa policy is one such example of a difficult political decision which, after necessary delays, we must take on this path, despite the challenging economic effects of aligning our visa regime with that of the EU.

We also take very seriously the assessments in chapters concerning human capital and environmental protection, as these are the most valuable resources of our country. We therefore approach these areas systematically and comprehensively, aiming to enhance strategic planning, strengthen institutional capacities, and place these policies at the very foundation of our society. When it comes to the economy, the Government remains focused on creating a stable and predictable environment, strengthening institutions and trust, so that Montenegro becomes a credible partner for European investors. We are working intensively on diversifying the economy, improving the business climate, and building a new economic identity for the country - one based on innovation, sustainable development, and European standards.

By the end of this year, Montenegro will have a significant number of internally prepared chapters - the largest so far - which is crucial for our ambitious plan to complete negotiations by the end of next year.

I am proud of the Montenegrin administration, which proves every single day that it can accomplish what once seemed impossible.

I would also like to commend the constructive engagement of the opposition in this process, which demonstrates that Montenegro has entered a phase of democratic maturity and social transformation, where European values have become a common meeting point for all political and social actors.

I express my deep gratitude to the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro and to Ambassador Sattler, as well as to the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Commissioner Marta Kos, and the entire team of the European Commission, for their continuous partnership and support.

My thanks also go to the media representatives and the civil sector for their dedication to Montenegro's European transformation.

Today, Montenegro stands on the threshold of its historic goal - EU membership. Only by remaining united, focused, and consistent can we achieve this multi-generational dream - for the benefit of the citizens of Montenegro and their European future. We will succeed!