Montenegro has made a big step forward in the process of European integration in less than a year of this Government’s mandate. We are entering the final phase of the negotiation process, with a very ambitious plan to close the negotiation chapters by the end of 2026, and by implementing the Reform Agenda for the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, we are bringing the standard of living of our citizens closer to the developed countries of the EU, said Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević at a meeting with European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Oliver Varhelyi.
“We are looking forward to the next phase of accession negotiations between Montenegro and the EU. We support your plan to speed up your progress towards membership,” said Varhelyi.
Minister Gorčević and Commissioner Varhelji exchanged opinions on the upcoming steps leading to the beginning of the temporary closure of all negotiation chapters.
Preparations for Montenegro’s participation in the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans were also discussed, where the commissioner particularly praised the Government’s efforts in preparing the Reform Agenda for the EU Instrument for Reforms and Growth. After the adoption of this ambitious reform plan by the Government and the European Commission, the payment of the first tranche of financial support, in the amount of 29 million euros, is expected by the end of the year. An additional incentive for growth, as pointed out, will be the accelerated accession of Montenegro to the Single Payment Area in Euros, which is expected during the fall.
The Commissioner said that he was pleased with the Government’s energy and commitment to reforms and conveyed the EC’s full support in charting the path to full membership.
Minister Gorčević said that the Government is determined to complete the accession negotiations in the next two years and introduce Montenegro into the EU by 2028.
“We have a clear goal in front of us. We still have a lot of work to do, but we are ready to roll up our sleeves and show substantial results. We will show our European partners that Montenegro deserves to be the 28th member of the EU by 2028,” said Gorčević.