Spajić: Closing chapters is Montenegro’s top 2026 priority, we expect political support from all 27 EU member states

Closing the negotiation chapters between Montenegro and the European Union is the country’s absolute priority, backed by full political and institutional commitment, it was stated at a meeting between Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and a delegation of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), led by David McAllister.

Prime Minister Spajić emphasised that 2026 marks 20 years since Montenegro restored its independence and that the country is chairing the Berlin Process and the Western Balkans Fund.

This year is monumental, particularly because we plan to close all negotiating chapters by December. It is an extremely ambitious and demanding task, likely without precedent, the Prime Minister stated.

He underlined that the state administration is fully focused on implementing reforms and meeting final benchmarks across all negotiation areas, with special Cabinet sessions dedicated to fulfilling obligations under the Growth Plan.

All administrative, expert and political capacities are fully directed toward delivering the European agenda, with clearly defined deadlines and measurable results, while EU membership remains the strategic goal of state policy.

The reform timeline was presented during the meeting, with particular focus on rule of law obligations, institutional functionality and legislative alignment with the EU acquis. It was also stressed that Montenegro’s foreign and security policy is fully aligned with that of the EU.

AFET representatives reiterated their strong support for EU enlargement and confirmed that Montenegro can count on support throughout all stages of accession.