Milatović meets with Waitz and Šarec: Montenegro ready to conclude accession negotiations by year-end, aims to sign EU accession treaty by Summer 2027
Particular attention during the talks was devoted to resolving outstanding issues with the Republic of Croatia. The interlocutors agreed that bilateral issues should be addressed separately from the accession negotiations so that they do not become an obstacle to Montenegro’s European path, according to the statement
Montenegro is determined to seize the historic opportunity and become the next member of the European Union in 2028 - Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović said during a meeting with Thomas Waitz, a Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation to the EU - Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, and Marjan Šarec, the European Parliament’s rapporteur for Montenegro.
According to a statement, Milatović discussed the final phase of the accession negotiations, reform priorities and support from European institutions with Waitz and Šarec.
The meeting took place ahead of a new session of the EU - Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAPC), dedicated to the state of the accession negotiations and relations between the EU and Montenegro. The session will be held at the Parliament of Montenegro later this week.
Milatović stressed that Montenegro was entering a decisive phase of European integration, with the clear goal of provisionally closing all remaining negotiating chapters by the end of the year, so that the Treaty of Accession to the European Union could be signed by summer 2027 and full membership achieved in 2028.
- Montenegro has a historic opportunity to become the next member of the European Union. Achieving this goal would be a major success for our country, as well as a strong affirmation of the credibility of the EU’s enlargement policy - Milatović said.
He particularly emphasised the importance of political consensus on Montenegro’s European future, welcoming support in Parliament for constitutional amendments and stressing that strengthening the rule of law, judicial independence and institutional accountability remained lasting priorities.
- Particular attention during the talks was devoted to resolving outstanding issues with the Republic of Croatia. The interlocutors agreed that bilateral issues should be addressed separately from the accession negotiations so that they do not become an obstacle to Montenegro’s European path - the statement said.
Milatović stressed that Montenegro maintained friendly relations with the Republic of Croatia and greatly valued the expert and political support it had received so far on its path towards EU accession. He added that the country’s approach to dialogue was guided primarily by its national interests and the preservation of national dignity.
He also highlighted the important role of the European Parliament in providing political support to Montenegro and strengthening the confidence of EU member states in the country’s readiness for membership, emphasising the importance of continued close cooperation during the final phase of the negotiations.
- Montenegro’s EU membership in 2028 would send a strong message to the entire Western Balkans that reforms pay off, that the European perspective delivers tangible results, and that the European Union remains true to its promises - Milatović concluded.