“Reforms on the path to the EU are not perceived as an obligation, but as an opportunity to contribute to the European future of the Western Balkans. It is our obligation to meet every criterion, respect every standard, and prove that Montenegro deserves a place in the EU as a fully ready and credible member,” said the Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, at the BSC Leaders’ meeting in Podgorica, a forum organized by the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP), with the support of the Embassy of Norway.
She emphasized that the European perspective must remain key for the stability and development of the entire region, because only in this way can we ensure lasting security and prosperity.
“Montenegro remains firmly committed to the European path – our goal is clear: the completion of negotiations by 2026 and full membership in the European Union by 2028,” said Gorčević.
She, as a key speaker, addressed the forum titled “Between Power Play and Promises: The Western Balkans Amid Global Changes and Challenges for Europe.”
The Minister emphasized that Montenegro is today the most advanced candidate in the accession process, the only country that has opened all chapters and closed seven. “In recent months, we have achieved tangible progress, closed four chapters, including one of the most demanding, and secured 383 million euros from the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. With these funds, we will finance key reforms: strengthening the fight against organized crime, modernizing public procurement, reforming electoral legislation, expanding digital infrastructure, and investing in education with a focus on digital skills,” stated the Minister.
The Minister stated that Montenegro remains firmly committed to the European path and will continue decisively implementing reforms, strengthening democracy, and improving standards to achieve its EU membership. She emphasized that now is the right moment to consolidate the European perspective of the entire region, and that only through a common European path can the Western Balkans ensure lasting peace, stability, and prosperity for all its citizens.
State Secretary in the Ministry of European Affairs, Biljana Papović, participated in the session titled “The Western Balkans between Integration and Isolation,” during which she highlighted Montenegro’s key priorities in the European integration process. She emphasized that Montenegro’s strategy is fully aimed at neutralizing political uncertainty in the EU through consistent implementation of the technical, legal, and institutional prerequisites required by the European Union.
“Our approach is based on concrete results, not rhetoric. Every reform that strengthens independent institutions, public procurement, the judiciary, and anti-corruption bodies reduces risk for investors, increases growth potential, and brings us closer to membership in the single market,” said State Secretary Papović.
She emphasized that Montenegro remains committed to the European path, with dedication to the principle of merit and reforms. “Our goal is that every decision on progress is based on real results and objective criteria, thereby strengthening Montenegro’s credibility as a partner of the European Union,” concluded Papović.
MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS