Address of Prime Minister Spajić following the Intergovernmental Conference between Montenegro and the European Union

Montenegro, you have been waiting for entire 11 years for us to reach this position, achieve this result and welcome this day. Since 20 June 2017, it has been seven years since we have not seen an inch of progress in our European integration. And our European path was de facto stopped - until today.

As of 26 June 2024, the European integration process will never again be subordinated to party and other interests. And that is the new Montenegro!

Europe, thank you for your trust! Thank you to all 27 member states. To our friends from the region, especially Croatia and Slovenia, also to our allies France, Germany, Italy and all others.

We have regained the trust we had lost long time ago and that was one of the most difficult tasks in life, but also in politics. We have shown that this is possible, as well.

Congratulations to the administration in Brussels. This is a celebration of expansion policy. A herald of new and stronger European Union that Europe and Europeans need more than ever.

Today, the winds of Euro-optimism are blowing again in the Western Balkans. Because it is not only Montenegro that has received a big message today. Today, the entire Western Balkans received a great "boost", a great message of optimism that I hope we will use in the right way. And this hope that we have awakened not only throughout the region, but also across the continent, I hope no one will ever lose.

Thank you to all members of the Government and all members of the Parliament for their willingness to carry out these processes in the interest of our citizens.

I especially congratulate the silent heroes – associates, administration, public servants. They have shown that faith about Montenegro in the European Union has survived despite the lagging process – and that together we are still the strongest in the European Union.

Today is an important day, but every day afterwards will be even more important. Entering the final phase  of negotiations and continuing to close chapters will bring new challenges. Let us be able to respond to them and be wise to overcome them.

Let Montenegro be the 28^th member of the European Union by 2028 at the latest. This is our opportunity!