PM Spajić meets with Ursula von der Leyen and Western Balkans leaders in Brussels

Montenegro is ready to meet the goals of the Growth Plan and successfully complete the final phase of negotiations, becoming the next EU member state, said Prime Minister Milojko Spajić after a working luncheon organised for Western Balkans leaders by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The fact that this meeting was held at the start of Ursula von der Leyen's new mandate clearly demonstrates that enlargement remains a top priority. Following the meeting, Ursula von der Leyen emphasised that the Western Balkans belong in the EU and that efforts will be intensified to make this happen.

The Growth Plan, based on financial support tied to reforms, offers the Western Balkans a €6 billion fund, with the even greater benefit of access to the EU's single market.

We had a very friendly meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the Western Balkans leaders. There is no competition here, but it was highlighted that Montenegro has made significant progress and can be an example for others, said Prime Minister Spajić. He added that the Reform Agenda is of utmost importance for Montenegro, aligning perfectly with the country’s goal of improving citizens' living standards.

Through this European Commission instrument, economic growth in Montenegro and the region is expected to double, accelerating the economic convergence of the Western Balkans with the EU and improving the standard of living for all citizens.

Montenegro is the first country in the region to prepare its Reform Agenda and the first to submit this comprehensive and ambitious document to the European Commission, which has regarded it as the most mature from the outset.

We approached the creation of the agenda very responsibly, aiming to fully utilize all the benefits and incentives offered by this instrument. After regular consultations with the European Commission, we finalized the Reform Agenda, which will be adopted at the next Cabinet session. This will allow us to immediately begin reforms and take a decisive step toward full EU membership, a dream for the vast majority of our citizens. Montenegro aims to become the 28th EU member in 2028. We must maintain this intense pace of work and continue implementing all necessary reforms, emphasised Prime Minister Spajić.

The Prime Minister concluded that Montenegro is in an ideal position to be the next EU member state, given its dynamic progress on the EU path, commitment to regional cooperation, full alignment with EU foreign and security policy, and its credible NATO membership.

The meeting also touched on a possible upcoming visit of Ursula von der Leyen to Montenegro and the region.