Podgorica (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Ursula von der Leyen affirmed Montenegro’s EU membership goal by 2028 is achievable, emphasizing necessary reforms and European investments to support integration.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Montenegro’s ambition to become
a part of the European Union by 2028 is “reachable,” “It is a very ambitious goal, and it is reachable,” von der Leyen expressed in Podgorica. She said it is important to concentrate on 2028 “to have done all the necessary steps so that the Commission can say you reached your goal and we can recommend accession.”
Von der Leyen was talking at a joint press conference with Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajic on the visit of her western Balkans tour, which also included five nations that have aspirations to join the EU — Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, and Kosovo.
How does the EU Growth Plan benefit Montenegro?
She stated that the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans aims to align the region’s economies more closely with those of the EU and to gradually integrate their markets into the European Single Market. She explained that the approach involves opening the door to the European Single Market for specific sectors, enabling Montenegrin companies to gain access.
However, she emphasized the necessity of a level playing field, which requires reforms. She noted that these reforms would be supported by additional European investments and mentioned that it has been a year since the initiative began, with most Western Balkan countries, including Montenegro, preparing their reform agendas.
How did Montenegro’s EU journey begin post-independence?
In 2006 Montenegro’s parliament proclaimed independence from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. In 2008, the new government applied for EU membership. In 2010, the Commission gave a favourable view of Montenegro’s application, identifying 7 key preferences that would need to be addressed for negotiations to start, and the Council gave it candidate status. In December 2011, the Council undertook the accession process intending to open negotiations in June 2012.
