President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission issued a call to Montenegro, urging the country to shift its focus entirely toward the European Union integration process.
During a joint press conference with President Jakov Milatović in Podgorica, von der Leyen emphasized that Montenegro is closer to EU membership than other candidate countries.
“It is a heartening sight to observe the new leadership in Podgorica’s unwavering commitment to continue along this virtuous path,” she stated.
Her visit coincided with the conclusion of the institutional processes for the formation of Montenegro’s new parliament and Government following the June political elections.
After the recent election of Andrija Mandić as the new Parliament Speaker, the new Government under Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, a leader of a reformist and pro-European political force, gained the parliament’s confidence this Tuesday morning.
Hopes remain for a fresh start in reform efforts following years of institutional crises and political instability that have negatively impacted the country’s European path.
Von der Leyen expressed her satisfaction with Montenegro’s full alignment with EU foreign and security policy while also hoping for enhanced economic cooperation.
“Montenegro has the potential to become a significant electricity supplier in the region and establish a common regional market, which holds significant prospects. If all these goals are achieved, there could be a 10% increase in GDP across the entire Balkan region,” she emphasized.
“It’s something that should be harnessed,” she pointed out, emphasizing that reforms, particularly in digital transition and modernizing the energy sector, are necessary for this purpose.
President Milatović confidently set the perspective for Montenegro’s EU membership by 2030.
“Montenegro has no unresolved issues with neighboring countries, is a NATO member, and is far ahead in the European integration process compared to all other candidate countries. Our country fully aligns with EU policy and is committed to a political process of reform and modernization. These elements, when combined, are unmatched by any other EU candidate country,” Milatović emphasized.
Von der Leyen also met with the new Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić. In an update on his X (formerly known as Twitter) account, Spajić stated he had the pleasure to receive von der Leyen in his first official meeting after the election of the 44th Government of Montenegro.
“Our most important task is to fulfill the promises we made to the citizens of Montenegro. The country has a European Government and a stable political majority that will contribute to closing the most important negotiation chapters and accelerate the necessary reforms,” said Spajić.
Imao sam zadovoljstvo da prvi zvaničan sastanak nakon izbora 44. @VladaCG imam sa predsjednicom Evropske komisije, Ursulom fon der Lajen. Naš najvažniji zadatak je da ispunimo obećanja koja smo dali građankama i građanima Crne Gore.
🇲🇪 ima evropsku Vladu i stabilnu političku… pic.twitter.com/nW69imaFXK
— Milojko Spajić (@MickeySpajic) October 31, 2023
Meanwhile the European Commission President highlighted that “with the Growth Plan, we will invest in Montenegro’s reform efforts. We have proposed a 6-billion-euro package for our Western Balkan partners. With funding released upon completion of each reform”.
With the Growth Plan, we will invest in Montenegro’s reform efforts.
We have proposed a 6 billion € package for our Western Balkan partners.
With funding released upon completion of each reform. pic.twitter.com/w1iGUZRhb4
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 31, 2023
