Montenegro is the next member of the European Union

The Government of Montenegro, determined to close all negotiating chapters by the end of this year, has branded an aircraft of the national carrier Air Montenegro with the clear slogan: “28by28 – The next EU Member”. The aim of the campaign is to convey to the international public the message that Montenegro will become a member of the European Union by 2028.

The aircraft branding forms part of a series of activities to be implemented in the coming period, in cooperation with institutions, the business community, artists, scientists, and athletes, in order to inform both domestic and European audiences about Montenegro’s achievements in the EU integration process and its ambition to attain full membership by 2028. The aircraft was welcomed at Podgorica Airport by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, Deputy Prime Minister Filip Ivanović, Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Air Montenegro Tihomir Dragaš, Chief Executive Officer of Air Montenegro Vuk Stojanović, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Airports of Montenegro Stefan Madžgalj.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the message displayed on the aircraft of the national airline is not symbolic, but a strategic statement of the State.

We are bringing Europe to Montenegro and carrying Montenegro to Europe. Across the European Union, our national airline carries a clear message – Montenegro is the next member of the European Union. Montenegro knows what it offers to Europe – not only a magnificent coastline and majestic mountains, but also proof that it is possible to be small and yet be a home for all. It offers stability, new energy, and confirmation that we can be united in diversity, which is the EU’s motto, Prime Minister Spajić stated.

Minister Maida Gorčević noted that for many generations the European Union was promised as an idea, whereas Montenegro has now set that objective as ambitious, yet achievable.

This message shows where Montenegro belongs. It is time for all our institutions, businesses, athletes, scientists, artists, students, media, civil society, local communities, and diaspora to convey the same message across the European Union – 28 by 2028. We have assumed responsibility for difficult decisions in order to turn plans, strategies, and programmes into tangible reality for our citizens. Montenegro is European by its history and culture, and through membership it will confirm this through full commitment to the value framework upon which modern Europe is built, Minister Gorčević stated.

On behalf of the national airline, CEO Vuk Stojanović emphasized the importance of promoting Montenegro internationally and ensuring the campaign’s visibility in the European market.

The aircraft that today carry the message that Montenegro is the next member of the European Union bear more than decals. They carry a symbol of connectivity, openness, and confidence in the future of our country. The Government has entrusted this message to Air Montenegro for a reason, demonstrating that Montenegro’s European path is not merely a political goal, but a living practice – reflected in high standards and responsibility. The national carrier builds trust day by day and connects people, flying in accordance with European rules and values, Stojanović said.

The Government of Montenegro is entering the final phase of the negotiation process with a clearly defined timeline and full accountability, expecting key steps to be confirmed in the coming months, beginning next month with the closure of Chapter 21 – Trans-European Networks. The European path is not merely a plan – it is a process steadily approaching its conclusion, with Montenegro firmly and resolutely committed to realizing its European ambitions and entering a new era as a full member of the European family.