Deputy Prime Minister Bečić meets with newly appointed Austrian Ambassador

Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić met with the newly appointed Austrian Ambassador to Montenegro, Christian Steiner, to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on Austria’s support for Montenegro’s European integration process.

Deputy Prime Minister Bečić congratulated Ambassador Steiner on his appointment, expressing confidence that the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries would continue to thrive during his tenure.

Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić highlighted that Montenegro's political stabilization, underpinned by the most stable government to date with a two-thirds parliamentary majority, has provided a solid foundation for achieving significant results during the first year of the current mandate. These accomplishments include unblocking and accelerating Montenegro's European integration process, strengthening the economy and social well-being of citizens, reinforcing institutions, and taking a decisive stance against organized crime and corruption. Bečić emphasized that the government is demonstrating there are no untouchable individuals and ensuring that organized crime will no longer control institutions.

He strongly criticized attempts to politically exploit human tragedies and engage in divisive rhetoric, describing them as a lack of responsibility and an attempt to avoid accountability for past challenges. Despite these distractions, Montenegro has made remarkable progress in European integration, with the historic Interim Benchmark Assessment Report (IBAR) opening wide the doors to EU membership.

Bečić underlined that this is a historic, generational opportunity that transcends daily political disputes. He called for wisdom, responsibility, unity, and dedication to guide Montenegro’s actions moving forward. He urged all societal actors to focus on a shared European future, leaving behind divisions.

The Deputy Prime Minister stated that Montenegro's goals are clear: to continue its European successes by closing four negotiation chapters in December, completing all 26 chapters by the end of 2026, and becoming the 28th member of the EU by 2028.

Ambassador Steiner thanked Deputy Prime Minister Bečić for the warm reception and emphasised the importance of further strengthening relations between Austria and Montenegro.

The integration of Western Balkan countries into the European Union is a priority of Austrian foreign policy. Austria will continue to provide strong support to Montenegro’s EU accession, as we believe the Western Balkans is a natural part of Europe and that Montenegro’s membership in the EU contributes to the shared security and stability of Europe.

To ensure that all EU member states ratify Montenegro's closed negotiation chapters and that their citizens see the benefits of Montenegro’s accession, it is crucial that you continue achieving outstanding results in combating organized crime and corruption. These successes will be key to accelerating Montenegro’s European path, Ambassador Steiner concluded.