Tivat, (MINA) – Montenegro’s goal to become the 28th EU member state in 2028 is within reach, it was heard on Friday at the EU-Western Balkans Summit, while it was pointed out that the accession process remains merit based for all candidate countries.

 

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said at the press conference following the Summit, that the future of the Western Balkans is in the EU and that this is not a promise for the future, but a strategic choice and imperative.

 

“If I had to sum up this Summit in two words, they would be determination and confidence. Determination to make the European future of the Western Balkan concrete as quickly as possible, confidence that our Union will grow and expand in the years ahead. And, yes, Montenegro becoming the 28th member state by 2028 is within reach”, Von der Leyen said.

 

She encouraged Montenegro to keep up the good spirit and the pace, as well as the ambition and determination, expressing hope that Albania will follow quickly, but also that the whole region will continue to move closer to the Union.

 

She pointed out that enlargement will continue to be merit based, but that this does not mean slow, but fair and predictable.

 

When asked by journalists whether Montenegro has slowed down the pace of closing chapters and whether the goal of closing all chapters by the end of the year is still achievable, von der Leyen said that the speed with which Montenegro is implementing reforms is impressive.

 

“It is impressive to see the speed at which you are delivering, and everybody here is fully in the same direction – the President, the Prime Minister and the Parliament. That is very important”, said Von der Leyen.

 

She said that the EU recognizes that everyone in Montenegro is focused on the goal that has been set.

 

As she added, the goal is to close all chapters by the end of the year or at the beginning of the next, and then move on to the next step regarding drafting of the Accession Treaty.

 

“We are by your side every step of the road”, Von der Leyen said.

 

 

President Jakov Milatovic said that today is a big day for Montenegro and that the EU-Western Balkans Summit will be remembered as the most significant diplomatic gathering in the modern history of Montenegro.

 

“The Summit confirms that enlargement policy is again a strategic priority for the EU, but also sends a message that European perspective of the Western Balkans is alive, credible and attainable”, said Milatovic.

 

He pointed out that Montenegro implemented important reforms through the accession process, aligned the legislation with the EU acquis and strengthened its institutions, which must serve the foundation of the rule of law, democratic resilience and public trust.

 

According to Milatovic, Montenegro is ready for the final stage, adding that it is a country with a clear strategic orientation, committed to democracy, the rule of law, peace, media freedom and human dignity.

 

He said that following today’s Summit, he is even more confident that the goal of Montenegro becoming an EU member state in 2028 is realistic and achievable.

 

President of the European Council Antonio Costa pointed out the success that Montenegro has achieved in 20 years since the restoration of its independence.

 

 

 

Recalling that the EU is the current enlargement momentum, Costa recalled that the EU began drafting Montenegro’s Accession Treaty last month.

 

“For the first time since 2013 we are really counting down to the next enlargement, to Montenegro becoming the 28th member state by 2028”, Costa said.

 

He encouraged all candidate countries to take advantage of the enlargement momentum and to take all the necessary steps to speed up their progress on the European path.

 

“The EU is a community of values, a project of peace, prosperity and security. It is a project on which we are all continuously working. The Western Balkans are an integral part of the EU future”, Costa said.

 

He said that joining the region remains an EU priority and a crucial geopolitical investment.

 

“That process is and will remain grounded on merit and credible reforms. At the same time, our discussion today showed our shared ambition to deliver as soon as possible on enlargement”, stated Costa.

 

He said that this is why new ideas are being considered to accelerate and streamline the process, to increase trust in the EU and to increase the motivation of the Western Balkan partners.

 

“Fostering good neighborly relations and regional cooperation is also an essential priority to ensure the security and economic prosperity of the region”, Costa said.

 

This, he added, will require continuous efforts, but this is how Europe has been building its common future.

 

“The Western Balkans can count on our continud support”, said Costa, adding that the EU is and will remain the region’s most reliable partner.