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.<\/p>\n
During a joint press conference with President Jakov Milatovi\u0107 in Podgorica, von der Leyen emphasized that Montenegro is closer to EU membership than other candidate countries.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a heartening sight to observe the new leadership in Podgorica\u2019s unwavering commitment to continue along this virtuous path,\u201d she stated.<\/p>\n
Her visit coincided with the conclusion of the institutional processes for the formation of Montenegro\u2019s new parliament and Government following the June political elections.<\/p>\n
After the recent election of Andrija Mandi\u0107 as the new Parliament Speaker, the new Government under Prime Minister Milojko Spaji\u0107, a leader of a reformist and pro-European political force, gained the parliament\u2019s confidence this Tuesday morning.<\/p>\n
Hopes remain for a fresh start in reform efforts following years of institutional crises and political instability that have negatively impacted the country\u2019s European path.<\/p>\n
Von der Leyen expressed her satisfaction with Montenegro\u2019s full alignment with EU foreign and security policy while also hoping for enhanced economic cooperation.<\/p>\n
\u201cMontenegro 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,\u201d she emphasized.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s something that should be harnessed,\u201d she pointed out, emphasizing that reforms, particularly in digital transition and modernizing the energy sector, are necessary for this purpose.<\/p>\n
President Milatovi\u0107 confidently set the perspective for Montenegro\u2019s EU membership by 2030.<\/p>\n
\u201cMontenegro 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,\u201d Milatovi\u0107 emphasized.<\/p>\n
Von der Leyen also met with the new Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spaji\u0107. In an update on his X (formerly known as Twitter) account, Spaji\u0107 stated he had the pleasure to receive von der Leyen in his first official meeting after the election of the 44th<\/sup> Government of Montenegro.<\/p>\n \u201cOur 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,\u201d said Spaji\u0107.<\/p>\n Imao sam zadovoljstvo da prvi zvani\u010dan sastanak nakon izbora 44. @VladaCG<\/a> imam sa predsjednicom Evropske komisije, Ursulom fon der Lajen. Na\u0161 najva\u017eniji zadatak je da ispunimo obe\u0107anja koja smo dali gra\u0111ankama i gra\u0111anima Crne Gore. <\/p>\n \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddea ima evropsku Vladu i stabilnu politi\u010dku\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/nW69imaFXK<\/a><\/p>\n — Milojko Spaji\u0107 (@MickeySpajic) October 31, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n