Montenegro is rightfully acknowledged as the leading candidate for future membership in the European Union (EU), according to Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović. He emphasized that the citizens expect all branches of government, including the opposition, to work diligently and responsibly towards this goal.

Milatović noted that the recent visits from the presidents of Italy, Albania, and the Czech Republic, along with the broader diplomatic activities since he assumed office, highlight his strong dedication to advancing the country’s foreign policy objectives as the President of Montenegro.

“These visits speak volumes about our four pillars of foreign policy, which encompass good neighborly relations, regional cooperation, credible NATO membership, EU accession, and a commitment to multilateralism. I believe it is fair to say that they reflect the new international image that Montenegro is beginning to cultivate,” Milatović mentioned in his interview with the MINA agency.

He reminded that prior to his presidency, he committed to tirelessly enhancing Montenegro’s international standing and reputation.

Milatović indicated that during his first year in office, he had the privilege of being welcomed by the leaders of some of Europe’s largest nations, including King Charles in London, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin, and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

“I assured the public that I would facilitate Montenegro’s EU accession, a goal we all share. The citizens rightfully expect that all government agencies and the opposition will work with responsibility and dedication toward this end,” Milatović remarked.

He asserted that these recent visits confirm Montenegro’s positive trajectory towards achieving a generational dream—full EU membership—an ambition that unites Montenegrin society.

According to Milatović, each visit underscores the foundation of Montenegro’s European aspirations and signifies the country’s recognition as a successful European narrative within the Western Balkans.

“We are rightly seen as the most advanced candidate for future EU membership, and visits such as these reaffirm our commitment to that path,” Milatović declared.

He stressed that political backing is vital in the accession negotiations, making any support Montenegro receives from EU member states of utmost importance.

“I believe these high-profile visits reaffirm the concept of European unity and solidarity, which is crucial in today’s geopolitical climate,” Milatović added.

When asked about the implications of the visits from Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Czech President Petr Pavel for Montenegro’s European journey, Milatović responded that the swift realization of these visits clearly demonstrates Montenegro’s unwavering commitment to its ambitious European agenda.

He noted that these visits highlight the essential nature of maintaining an active political dialogue at the highest levels so that Montenegro can achieve its goal of becoming the 28th EU member state by 2028.

“While the European Commission oversees the negotiation process, it is ultimately the member states that determine our full membership. The visits from the presidents of both Italy and the Czech Republic, being NATO allies and EU member states, bolster our endeavors to enhance communication with these countries,” Milatović explained.

He added that these visits serve as further proof of the support Montenegro has on its path toward full EU membership.

“Additionally, both nations are members of the ‘Friends of the Western Balkans’ initiative, which promotes the European aspirations of the Western Balkans and the accelerated accession of regional states to the EU. Therefore, these visits hold particular significance in the context of our integration process,” Milatović emphasized.

He also highlighted Italy’s role as one of the EU’s founding members and noted the Czech Republic’s successful transition from a socialist system to a modern, industrially developed democratic state.

Milatović stated that the experiences of these nations will serve as valuable resources for the reforms Montenegro needs to implement to embrace the highest European values and standards.

“Support in enhancing the rule of law, along with the fight against organized crime and corruption—the key elements of our accession negotiations—is immeasurably significant for the overall transformation of Montenegrin society in line with modern European democracies,” Milatović added.

He underscored that it is a significant honor for Montenegro to receive Italy’s highest award, the Order of the Grand Cross of Merit from Matera, reflecting special recognition and trust.

Discussing good neighborly relations, Milatović asserted these are essential to the EU’s foundation.

“Regional cooperation holds particular importance in our part of Europe, especially given the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia and other complex relations in the broader Balkan region,” Milatović noted.

He pointed out that an important message promoting good neighborly relations was conveyed on the day of his inauguration, attended by heads of state from neighboring countries in Podgorica.

Milatović mentioned that this same critical message was reinforced when Montenegro hosted the Brdo-Brioni Process last October.

“I take great pleasure in having welcomed the Presidents of Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania, North Macedonia, and recently Albania during my short term in office as part of official visits,” Milatović said.

He assessed this demonstrated Montenegro’s dedication to regional cooperation.

“Citizens from all nations in our region desire good neighborly relations and strong regional collaboration. They want politics to act as a catalyst, not an obstacle, to economic relations and interstate cooperation,” Milatović stressed.

Speaking of the visit from Albanian President Bajram Begaj, he noted that both Montenegro and Albania are strong advocates for the EU perspective of all Western Balkan countries.

“The effective cooperation and amicable relations between our countries exemplify the model of good neighborly cooperation needed for full EU membership and achieving regional stability,” Milatović shared.

He expressed uncertainty about whether this year could match the ambitious foreign policy intensity of the previous one, which was notably active in terms of the president’s international engagements.

Milatović recalled that his first presidential trip was to Austria, which undoubtedly revitalized relations between the two countries.

“During the Munich Security Conference, I engaged in crucial discussions with the presidents of the Baltic states, which later resulted in an invitation for Montenegro to participate in the Three Seas Initiative summit in Vilnius,” Milatović said.

He also mentioned his conversation with the Pope in the Vatican, further advancing the efforts to open a nunciature in Podgorica.

“The historic state visit to The Hague, which included a meeting with the Netherlands Prime Minister and the Dutch King, marked an important milestone for Montenegro, considering the country’s reservations towards EU candidate countries,” Milatović noted.

He added that his visit to Cyprus to welcome their EU presidency was crucial for positioning Montenegro favorably, just as the bilateral meetings with Swedish and Finnish prime ministers at the European Political Community summit in Budapest were.

Milatović indicated that his visit to Turkey, at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, further solidified the relationship with a strategically significant country for Montenegro.

“I believe that 2025 will also bring an intense agenda. A prime aspect of our foreign policy, if not the defining one, is our aspiration for EU membership,” Milatović expressed.

He highlighted Poland as an important partner for Montenegro, underlined by the robust support it provides in Montenegro’s EU integration efforts.

“The Polish presidency of the EU Council focuses on enhancing European security across seven dimensions: internal, external, informational, economic, energy, food, and health,” Milatović elaborated.

Among the priorities, he emphasized that foreign policy security and enlargement policy are paramount geopolitical imperatives.

Milatović conveyed that his recent visit to Poland and discussions with President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk signified that the Western Balkans, and Montenegro as the leading EU candidate, are of critical importance in this enlargement strategy.

He expressed hope that the ongoing dialogue during the negotiation process could gain further momentum with an intergovernmental conference set to take place during the Polish presidency.

“I am optimistic that we could conclude some of the outstanding negotiation chapters that we aim to finalize this year,” Milatović remarked.

He reminded that Montenegro has applied for associate membership in the Three Seas Initiative, noting that after Lithuania, Poland has also backed this application as the upcoming summit host.

“Montenegro is progressively becoming more engaged in regional and European cooperative frameworks, strengthening bilateral ties with Poland while enhancing our status on the EU membership path. I believe we will soon have positive news regarding this from Warsaw,” Milatović highlighted.

When questioned about the future foreign policy agenda, he articulated that substantial diplomatic activities are anticipated ahead.

“Each visit and dialogue with European leaders and officials represent an opportunity to garner additional political support for our foremost foreign policy aim—EU membership by 2028,” Milatović asserted.

He announced the impending visit from Croatian President Zoran Milanović, believing it presents a fruitful chance for discussions on improving bilateral relations and fostering good neighborly cooperation while also creating favorable conditions for closing Chapter 31, which regrettably remained unresolved last year.

Milatović indicated that Montenegro would soon welcome the presidents of Estonia and Slovakia.

“In addition to these visits, I would emphasize the reciprocal visit from the President of Cyprus to Montenegro, alongside my trip to Bulgaria, where I will visit the NATO base hosting our troops. This reflects our consideration for the importance of our military,” Milatović stated.

He reiterated that Montenegro would host the NATO Youth Summit in the spring, highlighting the country’s credibility both as a member of the Alliance and as a prospective EU member.

“I will also lead the Montenegrin delegation at the NATO Summit in The Hague and the United Nations General Assembly in New York this year,” Milatović confirmed.

He noted that hosting the summit of leaders from the European Political Community in Montenegro next year would substantially benefit the country’s European aspirations.

“The European Political Community provides an excellent platform for coordinating the policies of European states and reinforces the importance of the strategic partnership between the EU and the Western Balkans. Furthermore, it presents a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Montenegro’s restored independence,” Milatović concluded.

He asserted that successfully organizing a summit of this caliber, gathering nearly all European leaders in Montenegro, would signify the zenith of diplomatic engagement and affirm the stability of Montenegro’s European journey.

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