Podgorica, (MINA) – Montenegro has made significant progress on the EU accession path and these reform efforts must be recognized and rewarded, Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden said following a meeting with his Montenegrin counterpart Milojko Spajic.

 

According to the press release from the Government of Montenegro, Frieden said that Montenegro has made significant progress both domestically and on its EU path.

 

“These reform efforts must be recognized and rewarded. For us, Europe is stronger, safer and more prosperous when a country like Montenegro joins the EU”, Frieden said.

 

As he pointed out, Montenegro must fulfill all requirements.

 

“All conditions must be met, but we are very positive that you will be able to conclude the negotiations in the coming months. We would be very pleased to see Montenegro as the 28th member state of the EU in 2028”, Frieden said.

 

At the press conference after the meeting with Spajic at the headquarters of the Government of Luxembourg, he said that membership is not a present to Montenegro, but that it makes the European family stronger, safer and better, which, according to him, is also in Luxembourg’s interest.

 

Spajic thanked Luxembourg for supporting Montenegro’s European path and stressed that Montenegro is aware of the demanding nature of the process, but remains committed to deliver results. 

 

“We do not want to join the European Union just for the sake of joining. We want to add value and I am confident that with your support and the support of our partners, we will be able to close all chapters by the end of 2026 so that the EU can welcome a new member state in 2028”, said Spajic.

 

Responding to a journalist’s question about the enlargement policy non-paper, which among other things foresees limited voting rights for new members, Frieden said that when Montenegro becomes a full member, it should also have full voting rights.

 

“We do not believe that in the case of Montenegro, any additional conditions should be added,” Frieden said.

 

He clarified that the most important part of that document refers to ensuring respect for the rule of law and the need to guarantee that the member states fully comply with all the rules regarding legal framework, judicial independence and the rule of law.

 

When asked by journalists what Montenegro needs to complete the process and how Luxembourg can help, Frieden said that most of the work has been done, and that the end of the process is in sight.

 

“We believe that the negotiations can be concluded in the coming months. As Prime Minister, I will support you in the European Council, where decision will be made, both with my mind and heart. Because I believe that together we are stronger and more united”, Frieden said.

 

Regarding Luxembourg’s support, Spajic said that there is room for progress in chapters 9 and 17, as well as in the remaining financial chapters, and stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation.