PM Spajić meets with EU and US representatives ahead of 2BS Forum: EU as a security guarantee for the Western Balkans in challenging times

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić held a series of meetings with officials from the European Union and the United States, who will participate in the 2BS Forum in Budva.

During his conversation with Christian Schmidt, Germany’s High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, both leaders agreed on the importance of having a clear vision for the region’s future.

Prime Minister Spajić emphasised that Montenegro’s goal is to remain a leader in EU integration, aiming to become the next EU member while ensuring that all Western Balkan countries join the wider European family.

This, he said, is the only guarantee for regional stability and economic development. The leaders also highlighted that joint infrastructure projects between Western Balkan countries could serve as a catalyst for stronger bilateral relations and economic convergence.

Montenegro’s momentum in EU integration could provide significant encouragement for other Western Balkan nations to accelerate their own paths toward the EU, it was emphasised during the meeting with Miroslav Lajčák, the EU Special Representative for the Dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo.

Montenegro’s success in negotiations would send a strong signal that completing the process is both possible and realistic, which is a crucial message for the future stability and security of the entire region.

On this path, as emphasised during the meetings, the focus of both the executive and legislative branches must remain on fulfilling the requirements of the EU agenda, with closing negotiation chapters being the next step and a tangible confirmation that Montenegro is getting closer to raising its flag in Brussels.

In this context, political stability plays a major role, and the government’s support from nearly two-thirds of parliament members practically guarantees this, Prime Minister Spajić noted during his conversation with Klaus Welle, Secretary General of the European Parliament.

Montenegro’s accession to the EU would restore credibility to the entire enlargement process, it was underlined during the discussions.

Additionally, the rule of law must remain a top priority, even though Montenegro has made significant progress in this area, as confirmed by receiving IBAR.

Montenegro’s NATO membership is also crucial for regional security, as discussed in a meeting between Prime Minister Spajić and Lieutenant General Andrew Rohling, Deputy Chair of the NATO Military Committee.

During the talks, Prime Minister Spajić highlighted Montenegro’s military contributions within the Alliance, with Lieutenant General Rawling praising the government's efforts in achieving 2.02% of GDP spending on defence, further reinforcing Montenegro’s commitment and credibility within NATO.

The two sides discussed areas of cooperation between Montenegro and NATO in matters of mutual interest, particularly focusing on enhancing and developing Montenegro’s defence capabilities. Prime Minister Spajić announced specific steps Montenegro plans to take in the near future, which will be realized through four pillars of cooperation: standardization and interoperability, training and education, the development of the defence industry, and the participation of Montenegrin forces in NATO missions and operations.