Spajić: Census is behind us, EU membership remains the focus

Spajić and Frangeš: Hold the Intergovernmental Conference during Hungary’s presidency, Slovenia unconditionally supports Montenegro’s EU membership

The holding of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) by the end of Hungary’s presidency of the Council of the European Union is essential for maintaining the momentum of Montenegro’s European integration. The upcoming visit of the Prime Minister to Budapest presents an excellent opportunity to finalize the details for the IGC, according to the meeting between Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and Slovenia’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Anžej Frangeš. The two discussed the current stage of Montenegro’s EU integration process.

Prime Minister Spajić briefed Frangeš on the latest developments in Montenegro, emphasising that the successful implementation of the Census of Population, Households, and Dwellings is a prime example of how to approach matters of shared public interest, ensuring full trust in the process itself. The census demonstrated that consensus among parliamentary parties is the best approach for addressing all issues that enjoy public support, including EU membership. Census results are now behind us, the European Union remains our focus, Spajić said.

In this context, Slovenia’s Special Envoy welcomed the public's overall approach to the census process and its results, stating that, from the perspective of European integration, this is a historically important moment for Montenegro. He added that Montenegro can count on Slovenia’s full and unwavering support. It is in our interest to see the Western Balkan countries progress towards the European Union, especially those that have made the most progress, said Frangeš.

Frangeš also noted that bilateral relations are at an exceptionally high level and that there is increasing interest from Slovenian businesses in investing in Montenegro, a topic that will receive more attention in the coming period.

During the meeting, the two exchanged views on regional developments, with both welcoming the opening of the First Cluster in Albania's negotiations with the European Union, seeing it as another positive boost to the EU aspirations of Western Balkan countries.