Montenegro: Leading the Way on Europe’s Doorstep
Montenegro has emerged as a standout success story on the Western Balkan path toward the European Union, demonstrating that steadfast political orientation, bold reform action, and clear foreign-policy alignment can yield tangible progress. As fellow EU leaders have noted, Montenegro is “on good track” to join the bloc by 2028.
First and foremost, Montenegro has consistently aligned its external policy with the European Union’s standards and the broader trans-Atlantic agenda. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić has publicly affirmed that Montenegro’s strategic direction embraces full EU membership, active participation in NATO, and good-neighbourly relations. In October 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Montenegro’s progress, noting: “I know you are determined to close all chapters … and to become, as you put it, ‘the 28th by ’28.’” Such alignment distinguishes Montenegro within the region and ensures that its foreign policy is seen as credible, reliable, and stable, key attributes for any future member state.
Secondly, in terms of reforms, Montenegro has made commendable strides. Under PM Spajić’s leadership, the country has intensified efforts toward comprehensive action plans covering public administration reform, digital transformation, transparency, and open data. These efforts contribute directly to fulfilling the accession criteria that the EU requires of aspiring members. Montenegro’s institutions are actively reshaping regulatory frameworks and demonstrating practical commitment to European norms and standards, proof that words have turned into actions.
Thirdly, the country enjoys strong domestic consensus for the European path. Even though no country is free of internal political debates, Montenegro’s tone has increasingly become one of prioritising EU integration over delay. This consensus helps ensure stability and continuity in reform implementation. Montenegro’s relatively small size and unified objective have rendered its reform agenda more manageable than in many larger or more fragmented states in the Western Balkans.
In championing these advances, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić deserves particular recognition. Under his leadership, Montenegro has set an ambitious timetable of closing all negotiation chapters by the end of 2026 and joining the EU by 2028. His pro-reform government has emphasised transparency, economic modernisation, and deeper integration into European norms. He has repeatedly affirmed that the EU remains Montenegro’s strategic direction and that nothing will divert the country from that path.
From a friendly neighbouring vantage point in Serbia, I am personally delighted to see Montenegro succeed. As someone from Serbia, I feel proud and happy for our neighbours who are advancing so strongly on this European journey.
Finally, the praise coming directly from Europe speaks volumes. During her visit to Podgorica in October 2025, Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed that “the goal of Montenegro’s accession to the European Union is truly within reach.” Her words underscored both the progress achieved and the need to sustain momentum.
As we look ahead, I am truly excited that we will host our EDS Council Meeting in Montenegro at the end of November together with the youth branch of the Europe Now Movement. I am especially grateful to Tamara Crnogorčić, President of Mladi Evrope / The Youth of Europe, and Ivana Vukićević, International Secretary, whose dedication and support have been instrumental in making this event possible.
I am confident it will be a great success bringing together over sixty delegates from more than twenty-five countries to celebrate Montenegro’s European spirit, the commitment of its young generation, and its inspiring journey toward full EU membership.