Prime Minister Spajić hosts EU High Representative Kaja Kallas

Montenegro accelerates towards EU: €26 million from Growth Plan expected by month-end, new chapters to be closed in 2025

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić met today in Podgorica with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, who commenced her first official visit to the Western Balkans from Montenegro — recognized as a frontrunner in the European integration process.

During the meeting, High Representative Kallas expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Spajić for Montenegro’s full alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy. She also acknowledged the country’s consistent support for United Nations resolutions upholding Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Montenegro is a highly valued partner, which is why we are starting our visit here. You have made remarkable progress on your European path. The next step is to stay focused on reforms, and I assure you — the EU is with you every step of the way, said Kallas.

She announced that Montenegro is expected to receive an advance payment of over €26 million from the EU Growth Plan by the end of April. Additional support is also arriving for the Armed Forces of Montenegro through a support package worth six million euros.

Prime Minister Spajić emphasized that the Government is working intensively to prepare all the necessary conditions for the continued dynamic fulfillment of the requirements from the EU agenda, and that the Parliament will now also have a lot of work in order to be ready for the closing of new chapters during 2025.

Last year was the most successful for us in terms of European integration. It set the stage for 2025 and 2026 — when we plan to fulfill a major portion of our obligations in the negotiation process. Montenegro has no doubts — the EU is our strategic direction, and nothing will divert us from this path, said Prime Minister Spajić.

During the meeting, the engagement of the Venice Commission in resolving the dispute regarding the retirement of Constitutional Court judges was also discussed. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of concluding this process in order to, with the support of the Venice Commission, establish a legal framework that will not, as is currently the case, leave room for differing interpretations.

Regarding the agreements signed between the Government of Montenegro and the Government of the UAE, it was emphasized that Montenegro's economic progress is desirable. Prime Minister Spajić explained that the entire process is transparent and must get the green light from the Parliament, thereby ensuring compliance with all legal norms.

As noted by the Prime Minister of Montenegro, numerous laws adopted in the previous period provide a legal basis for strict controls that will ensure the credibility of the projects. The agreements, the Prime Minister concluded, also secure guarantees from the UAE government.

Montenegro’s economic development is in the interest of the European Union. What matters is that laws and obligations are respected, and that the same rules apply to everyone, High Representative Kallas responded to media inquiries regarding these agreements.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Spajić noted that some EU member states have entered into similar agreements with the UAE, and that Montenegro is currently negotiating bilateral agreements with three EU member countries.