Estonia is backing Montenegro’s efforts to join the European Union (EU) and aims to assist in concluding negotiations by the end of next year, stated Estonian President Alar Karis.

During his official visit to Montenegro, Karis met with Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović at the Residence in Cetinje.

At a press conference, the presidents noted that Estonia was the first nation to establish diplomatic relations with Montenegro after its independence and the first EU member to ratify the Stabilization and Association Agreement.

Karis reiterated Estonia’s commitment to supporting Montenegro’s EU accession.

“We urge you to sustain the reforms you have initiated. I’m confident that the day is near when Montenegro will become an EU member,” he stated.

He emphasized the need for enhanced communication across all levels, including connections between various local authorities and institutions.

“Our desire is to share our experiences and aid Montenegro in finalizing its EU negotiations by the end of next year,” added Karis.

He noted that both Montenegro and Estonia share strategic interests and common concerns about cyber threats, misinformation, and other challenges.

Karis expressed gratitude toward Montenegro for its military, political, and humanitarian backing of Ukraine, showcasing a strong commitment to regional security.

“We must intensify pressure on Russia and continue to support Ukraine during the ceasefire and beyond. Peace must be equitable, grounded in international law and Ukrainian sovereignty,” he stressed.

He acknowledged improvements in cooperation between Montenegro and Estonia in digital governance, highlighting that the Estonian Academy of Electronic Governance and Cyber Technologies has bolstered Montenegro’s defenses against cyber attacks.

Karis affirmed that Montenegro possesses significant potential in culture, tourism, and the economy, with opportunities for collaboration in artificial intelligence and education.

“Estonia is keen to assist Montenegro as a friend, NATO ally, and EU partner. Together, we will work toward a safer, more resilient, and united Europe,” Karis stated.

Milatović responded by noting the strong and enduring friendship between Montenegro and Estonia, grounded in shared values of freedom, democratic progress, mutual respect, and commitment to European and Euro-Atlantic principles.

He remarked that the significance of today’s visit is heightened by it being the first from an Estonian president to Montenegro since 2008.

Milatović expressed gratitude to Estonia for its support of the EU’s enlargement policy, emphasizing the importance of individual country qualifications.

“We appreciate Estonia recognizing Montenegro as a leading candidate in the European integration process and valuing our full adherence to the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy,” he added.

Milatović stated that Montenegro’s European prospects would be affirmed at the upcoming EU-Western Balkans Summit, which Montenegro will lead next fall, symbolically marking 20 years since its independence restoration alongside EU partners.

He also acknowledged Estonia’s support for Montenegro’s associate membership in the Three Seas Initiative, confirming Montenegro’s alignment with shared European values and economic collaboration, taking a step closer to full EU membership.

“Our goal remains steadfast – full EU membership for Montenegro by 2028,” Milatović emphasized.

He noted that as NATO allies, Montenegro and Estonia share responsibility in strengthening collective security and wish to enhance defense and security cooperation.

Milatović expressed that both nations should collaborate to boost economic ties and emphasized Montenegro’s openness to Estonian investments.

“Tourism represents another area with substantial potential. With the Tallinn-Tivat airline services, we are seeing increased interest from Estonian tourists, motivating us to bolster tourism collaboration through joint promotions and projects,” Milatović stated.

Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of intensifying digital transformation cooperation with Estonia, recognized internationally as a leader in this domain.

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