Montenegro needs to capitalize on the present momentum and take a decisive step toward European Union membership in the current year and the next, as agreed upon by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and President of the European Council António Costa during their meeting at Villa Gorica.

Prime Minister Spajić highlighted that reforms pertaining to the European integration process remain a primary focus of institutional efforts, asserting that the objective for Montenegro to become the 28th member of the EU by 2028 is both realistic and attainable.

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

We are working diligently to meet all necessary conditions. It is vital for the citizens of Montenegro to witness a tangible demonstration of political will from all relevant parties to uphold the commitment to EU integration. Our ministries are effectively executing the technical aspects of these obligations, and I am confident we will also achieve the necessary political consensus. Simultaneously, we are actively enhancing our diplomatic connections, which play a crucial role in this endeavor, the Prime Minister stated.

He further expressed that Montenegro relies on the support of the European Union—not just in the accession process but across various areas—especially emphasizing the significance of the Growth Plan as a means to showcase the economic advantages of EU membership.

European Council President António Costa remarked on how inspiring it is to see the progress Montenegro has made on its European journey.

This advancement is a result of your ambition, commitment, and clear direction toward becoming an EU member state. You are achieving not only reform outcomes but also aligning completely with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, particularly through your support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. It is crucial that you continue on this path—stay focused on your goals and maintain this impressive momentum, Costa stated.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that maintaining good neighborly relations should remain a top priority, consistent with the fundamental values of the European Union.

In this regard, Montenegro’s full alignment with EU foreign and security policy was highlighted as a strong indicator of the country’s status as a credible and reliable partner.

Also present at the meeting were 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.