Prime Minister meets with President of the European Council

Costa to Spajić: Montenegro is an excellent example for other candidate countries; bilateral issues should be addressed constructively and should not burden the European path

Montenegro’s hard work and dedication on its path to the European Union serve as an excellent example for all other candidate countries on how to progress, it was noted during the meeting between Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and President of the European Council António Costa.

During his official visit to Brussels, Prime Minister Spajić discussed Montenegro’s European agenda with Costa, highlighting the Government’s commitment through the “Barometer 26” platform, which was offered to all political actors and the broader society.

The upcoming EU-Western Balkans Summit will be very important. You are setting a good example of how to avoid complicated bilateral issues during the accession process for candidate countries, Costa stated.

Prime Minister Spajić emphasized the importance of addressing bilateral matters, particularly with neighbouring Croatia.

Bilateral issues are very important, and we are working to resolve them with our neighbour, Croatia. Some issues move faster, some slower, but every single one is on the table, Spajić remarked.

Prime Minister Spajić expressed gratitude for Montenegro’s achievement in closing three negotiating chapters during the recent Intergovernmental Conference.

I regret that we did not succeed in closing the fourth chapter this time, despite fulfilling the technical conditions for it. However, I am confident there is no concern for Chapter 31 in the future. We have already proposed political bilateral consultations with Croatia for January, and a constructive approach can be expected from our side, Prime Minister Spajić said.

He reaffirmed Montenegro’s commitment to maintaining the best possible relations with all its neighbors.

You have a truly constructive approach. It is essential to learn lessons from the past and turn toward a shared future, Costa conveyed.

The President of the European Council congratulated Montenegro on its successful Intergovernmental Conference, describing it as a significant step forward on the country’s EU path.

I commend the national consensus around EU accession and the ambitious Reform Agenda being implemented by the Government, Costa noted.

Prime Minister Spajić underscored that Montenegro is fully prepared to close the remaining chapters and highlighted the country’s complete alignment of its foreign policy with that of the European Union.

The European Council plays a pivotal role in shaping enlargement policy through criteria, timelines, and political support for candidate countries. This body ensures that the enlargement process aligns with the EU’s strategic priorities and its ability to provide stability, prosperity, and cohesion across the continent.

The approach of the President of the European Council suggests that while reforms remain essential, the EU must offer clear incentives and transitional benefits to candidate countries like Montenegro to maintain their commitment to European integration.

In the context of Montenegro, the support and guidance of the European Council are crucial to maintaining the momentum of the enlargement process, as was emphasized during the meeting.

Prime Minister Spajić proposed that the next EU-Western Balkans Summit be held in Montenegro next year.