The Netherlands and Ireland support Montenegro’s EU integration: On the right path towards membership

Montenegro is on the right path, and with the support of EU member states, including the Netherlands and Ireland, it is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious goal of closing negotiation chapters by the end of 2026, it was emphasized during meetings between Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and the ambassadors of the Netherlands and Ireland.

During talks with the Dutch Ambassador, Martijn Elgersma, Prime Minister Spajić underscored Montenegro’s unwavering commitment to European integration, exemplified by the "Barometer 26" platform, which ensures that the EU agenda remains a top priority.

Ambassador Elgersma highlighted the importance of Western Balkan countries progressing in their EU integration efforts, noting that it brings stability and prosperity to both the region and the European Union.

The Dutch are with you. It is clear that our shared interest is your accession to the EU, and we will work together on this journey. We are pleased to commend your progress, reaffirmed by our support for Intergovernmental Conferences and momentum toward chapter closures, said the Ambassador.

You have made significant strides, but hard work lies ahead, particularly with challenging rule of law reforms. We will closely monitor the quality of progress in this area, Elgersma added.

Economic cooperation was also discussed, with both sides agreeing that EU membership dramatically transforms economies and improves quality of life, as evidenced by the exponential economic growth of many countries after completing negotiations successfully.

Positive trends in Montenegro are also evident from the perspective of Ireland, noted Ambassador Ragnar Almqvist.

As the Prime Minister highlighted during his visit in January, Montenegro is doing an excellent job. This progress has been confirmed by receiving IBAR and now through chapter closures. You are on the right track to meet your plan and close all chapters by the end of 2026, said Almqvist.

Prime Minister Spajić emphasized that Ireland serves as an example of successful economic reforms, achieving the second-highest GDP per capita in the European Union.

This achievement, as Ambassador Almqvist pointed out, is the result of effective resource utilization and the full embrace of the benefits offered by the EU’s single market.