14.10.2025 23:04
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, during her visit to Montenegro, stated that the country is making rapid progress on its path to EU membership, saying, "You are determined to become the 28th member of the EU by 2028. This is an ambitious goal, but we like to be ambitious. If Montenegro stays focused on the goal and remains united, it can achieve this."
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Montenegro, the second stop after Albania, as part of her tour of the Western Balkans to reiterate the EU's support for the accession process of Western Balkan countries and their gradual access to the common market.
"MONTENEGRO COULD BECOME THE 28TH MEMBER OF THE EU IN 2028"
During a joint press conference with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic at the opening of the Montenegro Investment Conference in the city of Tivat, Leyen stated, "Every time I come here, I feel the heart of Europe beating in Montenegro. You are not only committed to the European future, but you also believe in it passionately. Because you are undoubtedly the pioneers of the accession process. Since my visit last year, you have closed four chapters, and this year, you are on track to close five more. You are determined to close all chapters by next year and, as you said, to become the 28th member of the EU in 2028. This is an ambitious goal, but we like to be ambitious. Montenegro can achieve this if it stays focused on the goal and remains united," she said.
"WE APPRECIATE YOUR DECISION TO SEND TROOPS TO UKRAINE"
Leyen stated that every European country has to choose a strategic side and that Montenegro has chosen to side with the EU, saying, "You are fully aligned with the EU's foreign and security policy. We deeply appreciate your decision to send Montenegrin soldiers to support our training mission in Ukraine."
"GOOD NEIGHBORLY RELATIONS FORM THE ESSENCE OF THE EU"
Emphasizing that according to surveys, 83% of the Montenegrin people view the partnership with the EU positively and that most citizens across the EU want to see Montenegro as part of the EU, the President of the European Commission stated, "Support is particularly high among your close neighbors like Slovenia and Croatia. This is very nice. Good neighborly relations form the essence of the EU."
SPAJIC: WE WILL COMPLETE ALL CHAPTERS BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR
Montenegrin Prime Minister Spajic also stated at the press conference that his country plans to complete all chapters in the EU accession negotiations by the end of next year.
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