The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Podgorica, Johan Sattler, emphasized that Montenegro needs to expedite its legislative reforms, enact new laws, align regulations, and enhance institutional capacities to successfully close all chapters by the end of next year.

During the European Integration Committee meeting with ambassadors from EU member states, Sattler expressed that the Union is keen for partners in the Western Balkans to capitalize on the current opportunity, as highlighted by the recent regional visit of European Council President Antonio Costa.

“He underscored the significance of enlargement and reiterated both his commitment to a united Europe and our shared aspiration to assist Montenegro in becoming a new EU member,” Sattler remarked.

He noted that since last year, there has been a more pronounced revival of the enlargement policy.

“Montenegro stands in a strong position and leads in this process; it’s encouraging that you continue to fully align with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, as was highlighted yesterday by Montenegro’s representative at the meeting with Košta,” Sattler stated.

He acknowledged the substantial progress Montenegro has made by adopting the IBAR law and meeting set benchmarks, which allowed the closure of a chapter after seven years.

However, Sattler pointed out that valuable time was lost earlier in the year due to political deadlock in Montenegro.

“That chapter is now behind us; there’s no use lamenting about it, but it serves as a reminder of the necessity to stay focused on European integration and reforms,” Sattler commented.

He cautioned that if focus wanes, momentum may be lost, although Montenegro has regained its pace.

Sattler reminded attendees that Montenegro’s ambitious European agenda aims to close six chapters by year-end and 20 chapters by next year.

“Clearly, substantial work lies ahead in the next 18 months. To achieve chapter closures by 2026, Montenegro must hasten its legislative reforms, implement new laws, harmonize regulations, and bolster institutional capabilities,” he explained.

He emphasized that several legislative measures need to be finalized within the coming months.

“Everything must be completed to close Chapter 11; there are still outstanding elements, and the same applies to Chapter 14. Accelerating the pace is vital to deliver results before the summer recess,” Sattler added, stressing the critical role of the Parliament.

According to him, the Montenegrin Parliament, including both majority and opposition members, has demonstrated what can be achieved through political consensus on national priorities.

“I am confident you will continue this important work in the months ahead, while maintaining quality. I am optimistic that the Assembly will capitalize on this rare opportunity that arises once in a generation,” Sattler noted.

He pointed out that there is no magical recipe or formula for becoming an EU member; it requires persistence, focus, unity, and meeting citizens’ expectations.

Sattler reassured that the EU remains a reliable partner in Montenegro’s European trajectory.

“We will offer concrete assistance so that, ultimately, we can reach the finish line together by the conclusion of 2026,” he concluded.

The Chair of the Committee for European Integration, Ivan Vuković, remarked that citizens restored independence with the aspiration that Montenegro would soon align itself with the Western system of values, liberal democracy, and free market principles, as a full member of NATO and the EU.

“In June 2017, Montenegro joined NATO, securing long-term stability and security for people in this region historically fraught with turmoil. Now, the objective is to make Montenegro hopefully the first future EU member,” Vuković stated.

He stressed that anyone with good intentions for Montenegro, its citizens, and future generations must be wholly committed to realizing this goal – EU membership.

“Nothing is more critical for our future. There is no sufficient political rationale to exempt any of us from the responsibility to fully contribute in this regard,” Vuković declared.

He emphasized that there is no distinction more significant than this shared goal and no justification for potential failures along the European path.

“Montenegro possesses a historic opportunity to become part of the EU by the end of this decade, and the Government has never encountered stronger support from European partners, as affirmed by Košta’s recent visit to Podgorica,” Vuković noted.

He mentioned that along this path, the Government has the unwavering support of the opposition, which, despite critiquing the ruling majority, has so far backed and will continue to support every decision and legal proposal that brings Montenegro closer to the EU.

“We acknowledge that serious obstacles remain on this path—not just interim and final benchmarks, chapters, and administrative capacities, but also political hurdles erected by those who oppose Montenegro’s EU aspirations,” Vuković stated.

He referred to those who exert malign political influence in the region, pitting Montenegro against its neighbors and celebrating Victory Day with those responsible for devastating Ukrainian cities.

“I’m alluding to those who, while professing a desire for EU membership, secretly hope for the EU’s imminent disintegration,” Vuković remarked.

He expressed concern that the impacts of such regressive and anti-European policies are palpably felt in Montenegro, as evidenced by the recent European Parliament report, which received substantial backing in the Committee on Foreign Affairs just two days ago.

“The country’s European future predominantly depends on our collective ability in Montenegro, striving for EU integration, and your support, to counteract the adverse impacts of these policies,” Vuković concluded.