Von der Leyen in Podgorica: EU sees Montenegro as its 28th member by 2028, political unity urged

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared on Wednesday in Podgorica that the European Union sees Montenegro as its 28th member by 2028 and promised the country full support in the final phase of accession negotiations, as Dan reports after the joint press conference with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić.

“We believe in Montenegro as the 28th member by 2028 and we will support you all the way. You can count on us,” von der Leyen said after meeting the Montenegrin prime minister, emphasizing that Brussels will stand by Montenegro on the entire road to the EU.

According to Dan’s reporting, the Commission president assessed that Montenegro has provisionally closed more than half of the negotiating chapters and has achieved notable progress in reforms, especially in the rule of law. “The finish line is in sight. Crossing that line would send a powerful signal across the whole Western Balkans,” she said, adding that the final phase will require continued political stability, broad support from all parties and strong relations with member states.

Von der Leyen also announced that the European Commission will soon present roadmaps for the most advanced candidate countries, including Montenegro, which will turn the road to membership into concrete steps, deadlines and obligations.

For his part, Prime Minister Spajić said the government worked hard during the summer and that the results of the reforms are visible: “We will not relax, but stay focused on results.” He expressed optimism that by the end of the year every negotiating chapter will be closed and that 2028 is the year Montenegro will become the EU’s 28th member, adding that the government is ready to accept assessments and criticism, because that is in Montenegro’s interest.