Chief Negotiator Predrag Zenović participated in the international conference STOCKTAKING 2026 – Four Years of War: Europe in a New Geopolitical Landscape, organized by the think tank EUROPA.
During the event, the Chief Negotiator highlighted the importance of Montenegro’s full alignment with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), consistent support for the Union’s joint decisions, and its contribution to strengthening NATO presence and collective security in the Western Balkans, through participation in civilian and military missions in accordance with international obligations. He noted that Montenegro is recognized as a leader among candidate countries, as well as a regional leader in reconciliation, the Berlin Process, and strengthening European cohesion.
“EU enlargement to the Western Balkans contributes to the Union’s strategic stability, while Montenegro offers political maturity, credibility, and clear commitment to common European policies, actively contributing to the overall strength and unity of the European Union,” Zenović said.
He specifically emphasized the importance of merit-based enlargement and stressed that this process is key to strengthening the EU’s power and credibility.
“EU enlargement is not just an accession process; it is a crucial mechanism through which the Union becomes fundamentally stronger. Fulfilling the Copenhagen criteria, strengthening the rule of law, and full compliance with EU policies are the foundation of a credible and sustainable enlargement process,” Zenović stated.
In this context, he recalled key reforms and achievements Montenegro has made in the negotiation process, noting that almost half of the negotiating chapters have already been provisionally closed, providing a solid basis for preparing the Accession Treaty by the end of 2026, with the ultimate goal of Montenegro’s full EU membership in 2028.
At the conference, in addition to Zenović, speeches were delivered by the Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lars Løkke Rasmussen; the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Taras Kachka; and the former Prime Minister of Moldova, Natalia Gavrilița, who exchanged views on Europe’s response to the war in Ukraine, including strengthening sanctions, enhancing military capabilities, and considering the use of frozen Russian assets to strengthen Ukraine’s security and resilience.