Orbán to Spajić: Your efforts are evident, Montenegro is an opportunity for the European Union

Montenegro is nearing the final stage of the EU integration process, demonstrating that the country is not a challenge but an opportunity for the European Union, stated Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán during a meeting with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, who is paying his first official working visit to Budapest.

The purpose of Prime Minister Spajić's visit is to outline specific steps for Hungary’s support in Montenegro’s EU membership bid and to strengthen bilateral relations, with an emphasis on boosting economic cooperation.

In this context, Spajić expressed hope that, under Hungary’s presidency of the EU Council by the end of the year, an Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) will be held to close four negotiation chapters.

Following IBAR, this is a monumental moment for Montenegro. We are now in a position to close negotiation chapters after more than seven years. We’ve worked hard and expect fair treatment, stated Spajić.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán assured Spajić of Hungary’s full support, noting that Montenegro’s achievements have heightened optimism for the EU enlargement policy.

You have put in the work, and it shows. We will make every effort to ensure the IGC is held in December, which will be a pivotal step forward in your negotiation process, Orbán emphasised.

Discussions also focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, identifying a wide range of opportunities in areas including infrastructure, economy, trade, agriculture, and energy.

Spajić presented Montenegro’s investment potential, highlighting multi-million euro infrastructure projects planned for the coming years.

The two leaders exchanged views on various reform processes, economic incentives, and growth challenges, agreeing to explore increasing the frequency of flights between Montenegro and Hungary, with the possibility of a new route to Tivat.

They also noted growing interest from Hungarian investors in Montenegro, underscored by the expansion plans of Hungary's 4iG Group, already active in the Montenegrin market.

At a working lunch hosted by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in honor of Spajić’s visit, over 50 representatives of Hungarian companies attended, including OTP Bank, 4iG, V-HÍD Építőipari, Hungest Hotels, UTB Envirotec, Capsys Informatikai, Hungarian Water Technology Corporation, among others.