At the Intergovernmental Conference between Montenegro and the European Union, held on March 17 in Brussels, Chapter 21 – Trans-European Networks was provisionally closed, marking the 14th closed chapter in the negotiation process and the 11th since Montenegro received a positive IBAR for chapters in the area of the rule of law.
The Government delegation at the Intergovernmental Conference was led by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, who emphasized that Trans-European Networks enable stronger connections between people, economies, opportunities, and ideas.
Our continent is becoming increasingly connected and united. In this sense, today’s step relates to something that goes beyond the networks themselves. It is about Montenegro and its citizens becoming ever more firmly woven into the fabric of the European Union, said Prime Minister Spajić in his address to the participants of the Intergovernmental Conference.
As he pointed out, for Montenegro, located at a strategic crossroads between the Adriatic and the Western Balkans, the advancement and development of the trans-European transport and energy network is seen as its strategic goal within the broader European system of mobility, logistics, and economic integration.
This means that every major infrastructure decision we make is guided by a broader perspective, namely: how Montenegro connects with its neighbors, how the Western Balkans connects with the European Union, and how these connections contribute to a more integrated European continent, a goal whose relevance today is greater than ever, emphasized the Prime Minister.
He stated that Montenegro has actively participated in identifying priority infrastructure corridors, as well as in strengthening regional coordination, and that it continues to expand electricity interconnections with neighboring countries and with the European Union.
“The submarine power cable connecting Montenegro and Italy already represents a strong bridge between the Western Balkans and the European energy market, strengthening regional stability, integration, and security of supply. At the same time, Montenegro is participating in regional initiatives aimed at strengthening the diversification and connectivity of energy systems, including projects such as the Ionian-Adriatic Pipeline,” said Prime Minister Spajić.
As he emphasized, the long-term future of Montenegro’s energy system lies in renewable energy sources, modern electricity infrastructure, and low-carbon solutions.
The Prime Minister thanked the European Commission, the presiding country Cyprus, and the Member States for their constructive engagement and continuous support in the integration process.
He stated that Montenegro will continue to strengthen its administrative capacities, carefully plan infrastructure investments, and ensure full compliance with European standards and rules.
“Every modernized kilometer of railway, every connected port, every strengthened energy interconnection brings Montenegro and the European Union closer to each other. And precisely the most tangible essence of European integration is the building of connections that shorten distances, facilitate cooperation, and strengthen our shared future. And today, with the provisional closure of Chapter 21, we have built another important trans-European connection,” concluded Prime Minister Spajić.
Source: gov.me