Chief Negotiator Predrag Zenović participated in a policy dialogue in Rome, “Include the Western Balkan countries in the EU as full members – From negotiations to accession: Delivering EU membership for Albania and Montenegro,” organized by the prestigious Italian institute Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) and Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans.
On this occasion, Zenović emphasized that Montenegro’s accession negotiations are in a decisive phase, with a clearly defined goal to complete the negotiations by the end of 2026.
He highlighted that European Union enlargement today is no longer just a technical matter of meeting criteria, but a strategic political decision of significance for the future of Europe. As he noted, it is an investment in a stronger, safer, and politically more united European Union, capable of responding to modern geopolitical challenges.
Zenović particularly pointed out the important role of the academic community in shaping a positive and well-argued narrative about enlargement. According to him, credible research, analyses, and public debates contribute to a better understanding of the economic and political benefits brought by deeper integration of the Western Balkans into the European space.
Speaking about Montenegro’s position, Zenović reminded that our country is the most advanced candidate in the accession process and that the progress so far confirms that the enlargement policy is achievable, credible, and fully merit-based. In this context, he emphasized that it is a joint political project of the candidate countries and the European Union, in which responsibility and commitment are mutual.
Participation in this dialogue in Rome once again confirmed that Montenegro is recognized as a reliable partner and a leader of European integration in the Western Balkans region, at a time when the enlargement policy is returning to the focus of the European strategic agenda.
MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS