Prime Minister Spajić hosts UK Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty

Rule of law and the fight against organized crime will unlock Montenegro’s full potential, benefiting the wider region

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić met with the UK Minister for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty in Podgorica.

During a highly constructive discussion, both sides agreed that the two countries maintain a strong strategic partnership while recognizing significant room for further collaboration.

The Government of Montenegro is committed to strengthening relations with the United Kingdom. While our alliance is already strong, there is potential for even closer bilateral cooperation. Your support in Montenegro’s fight against past malpractice in customs operations and in strengthening the capacity of the Customs Administration is of great importance, said Prime Minister Spajić. In this context, he emphasized that the final phase of the destruction process for confiscated cigarettes stored in the Port of Bar is underway.

Montenegro and the UK continue their joint fight against serious and organized crime, which remains a shared priority. The police and customs services of both countries have developed excellent cooperation, and Prime Minister Spajić expressed particular gratitude for the UK’s support in providing training programmes to enhance law enforcement capacities in tackling organized and cross-border crime.

We agreed that comprehensive reforms—particularly in strengthening the rule of law, combating serious and organized crime and corruption, as well as addressing illegal migration—are crucial to unlocking Montenegro’s full potential, Minister Doughty stated.

We can further enhance our cooperation in education and tourism development, he added.

Discussions also covered Montenegro’s European integration efforts and its ambition to be administratively ready to join the EU by the end of 2026. It was acknowledged that limited institutional capacity presents a challenge, but the UK stands among the countries ready to provide support in this regard.

A stable, transparent, and resilient Montenegro benefits not only its citizens but also the wider region. As NATO allies, the UK is committed to being a trusted partner and friend to Montenegro, offering support and expertise to help achieve this shared vision, Minister Doughty emphasized.

One of the topics addressed was the tragic event in Cetinje. The UK delegation highlighted that disarmament is a critical step in preventing similar incidents. They shared insights from their own experience, stressing that gun return campaigns should never be discontinued, as they contribute to the necessary cultural shift in society.

The meeting was also attended by the UK Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Lord Stuart Peach, and British Ambassador to Montenegro, Dawn McKen.