EPA / Andrej Čukić

Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović has reaffirmed that the aim is for Montenegro to join the EU by 2028, describing this ambitious target as very attainable.

Milatović made these remarks during a meeting with members of the EU Council for Enlargement (COELA), who are on a two-day working visit to Montenegro.

While speaking with diplomats from 27 EU Member States, Milatović discussed the achievements in the negotiation process and the obligations required for successful EU accession.

He emphasized that Montenegro’s European integration transcends the country’s immediate interests, presenting a beacon of hope and a positive message for the region, demonstrating that the accession journey is indeed feasible.

Milatović noted that the current geopolitical climate in the EU is crucial for the continent’s safety and urged Montenegro to seize the opportunity for reform and integration, thus becoming a member of the Union.

He highlighted Montenegro’s unique advantages, such as its size, NATO membership, economic progress, the use of the euro, alignment with the common EU security framework, and having opened negotiations across all chapters, with three chapters already closed and an expectation to finalize four more by the year’s end.

The president regarded today’s discussion with European diplomats as a logical extension of ongoing high-level political dialogue with the EU, following his recent meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

– This is a chance to reiterate Montenegro’s perspective on the EU agenda and negotiations, and to convey the expectation that the newly formed enlargement policy will remain a priority issue for the EU, stated Milatović.

EU Member State representatives recognized the positive developments in the negotiation process and the potential for closing new chapters, viewing Montenegro as a model for other candidate countries in their accession endeavors, among other points raised by Milatović’s office.