Montenegro could become a member of the European Union by 2028: statement by EU leaders
Kyiv • UNN
Montenegro's accession to the EU by 2028 was called a realistic goal at the summit in Tivat. Brussels has already begun preparing the country's accession treaty.
Montenegro's accession to the European Union is possible and realistic as early as 2028. This was discussed during a joint press conference of European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović following the summit in Tivat, UNN reports with reference to RTCG.
Details
In particular, Milatović emphasized that Montenegro is bringing Europe closer today, and that "this is a powerful message."
"We have demonstrated great maturity and sent a message that Montenegro is part of Europe. The summit showed that the enlargement policy is important and that it is a strategic investment. Montenegro's European path has had different phases – periods of success and, unfortunately, periods of stagnation, but since 2023, Montenegro's goal has been for the country to become part of the Union by 2028, which has become a national project. I believe with full confidence that this goal is realistic and achievable,"
In turn, Costa noted that last month the EU began work on Montenegro's Accession Treaty.
"The EU is a community of values and an alliance of success and prosperity. We are considering new ideas to guide the enlargement process and further strengthen trust. ... The accession of the Western Balkans region remains our priority. The Western Balkans can count on our continued support. The region is part of Europe, and I think a strong message was sent in this sense today,"
Von der Leyen emphasized that the parties discussed how to strengthen ties between the region and the EU, "and this is not just a promise for the future, but a strategic direction."
"The EU Growth Plan is very important; we are opening part of the common market to companies from the region, and they have the opportunity to expand their business, and with that comes investment. ... I think Montenegro's goal of becoming part of the EU in 2028 is achievable. ... Impressive reforms have been carried out, and we can only encourage you to close all chapters and clusters by the end of this year, that is, to draft the accession treaty and begin the ratification process,"
Recall
European Council President António Costa stated that the expansion of the European Union remains a realistic scenario for the Western Balkan countries.