Montenegro has consistently demonstrated its commitment to European values and standards, achieving significant results in the accession process, and can count on continued full support from Romania on its path toward full EU membership, according to statements made during Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević’s visit to Romania.
During her visit to Bucharest, Gorčević held separate meetings with Foreign Minister Oana Coju and Minister for Investments and European Projects Dragoș Pîslău, as well as discussions with State Secretary for European Affairs in the Prime Minister’s Office Luminica Odobesku and State Secretary for European Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Klara Staiku.
Minister Gorčević emphasized that the strategic goal of the Government is for Montenegro to become the 28th EU member state by 2028, with a clear plan to fulfill all conditions for completing the EU accession process by the end of 2026.
“We are aware of the weight of the task ahead over the next year, but are determined to overcome it because our citizens want and deserve to live in a fairer, more prosperous, and inclusive society. Our European path is politically affirmed and institutionally stable, with effective and intensive coordination among relevant sectors. The reform process is conducted strategically, not declaratively,” said Gorčević.
She noted that the latest European Commission report on Montenegro is the most positive to date, reflecting all the efforts and results achieved on the ground.
“I believe that the temporary closure of five more negotiation chapters at the December Intergovernmental Conference will clearly confirm tangible results and encourage our European partners to begin preparing the Accession Treaty,” Gorčević added.
Romanian counterparts welcomed Montenegro’s achievements on the European path, emphasizing continued political support, the transfer of good practices, and opportunities for enhanced economic cooperation and connectivity between the two countries.
Minister Coju affirmed Romania’s strong support for EU enlargement, highlighting that: “Romania consistently advocates for the membership of Western Balkan countries in the EU. Montenegro has shown that reform commitment delivers results, and full alignment with EU common policies sends a strong message of stability.”
State Secretary Odobesku stressed that Montenegro’s success contributes to the credibility of the EU: “Countries that deliver results should be clearly recognized and supported. Romania will continue to advocate for a consistent and predictable enlargement policy.”
State Secretary Staiku noted Montenegro’s visible and measurable progress, emphasizing that Romania is ready to provide a wide range of expert support in key sectors for EU accession, including agriculture, education, finance, health, transport, and tourism.
During her meeting with Minister Pîslău, Gorčević discussed challenges and opportunities in the accession process, particularly the role of European funds in reducing development gaps, modernizing institutions, and strengthening public administration.
“Romania has already walked this path and knows from first-hand experience the importance of administrative capacity, good planning, and effective absorption of EU funds,” Pîslău added.