Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević met today with Danish Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre during her official visit to Montenegro, ahead of Denmark assuming the Presidency of the Council of the EU on July 1st.
During their meeting, the ministers exchanged views on strategic priorities for the coming period, with particular focus on the continuation of the enlargement process and Montenegro’s negotiations with the European Union.
Minister Gorčević informed her Danish counterpart about the progress Montenegro has achieved in recent months, emphasizing that all institutional capacities are being directed toward closing at least six negotiation chapters by the end of the year.
“Our ambition is to close all negotiation chapters by the end of 2026. We believe we are on the right track. Three chapters have reached full internal preparedness and are already in the EU’s institutional procedures. We expect them to be placed on the agenda of upcoming intergovernmental conferences,” Gorčević stated.
The discussion also covered challenges on the European path, with a focus on strengthening administrative capacities, the need for further professionalization of public administration, and the country’s economic readiness for EU membership. Minister Gorčević highlighted the strong public support in Montenegro for EU membership, despite a complex political environment, describing it as a sign of the maturity of Montenegrin citizens and their trust in the country’s European future.
Minister Bjerre emphasized the importance of joint action in the current geopolitical context, stating that Denmark sees enlargement as a strategic issue for the stability and security of the continent.
“Denmark supports a credible and predictable enlargement policy. In the upcoming period, I plan to visit all negotiating countries, because we want to hear their perspectives and support them on their reform paths,” Minister Bjerre underlined. She added that, during its presidency, Denmark will place emphasis on the green and digital transition, strengthening the Union’s defense capacities, and reviving the momentum of the enlargement process.
The two ministers concluded that there is room for further strengthening of bilateral cooperation, especially in the areas of sustainable development, institutional reform, and combating disinformation, as well as through expert support Denmark can offer to Montenegro.
MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS