Spajić in Brussels: All chapters to be closed by end of next year – speed will not compromise quality

All negotiation chapters will be closed by the end of next year, and on that path we seek neither shortcuts nor excuses. The quality of reforms remains unquestionable, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić stated at the EU Enlargement Forum, held today in Brussels under the theme “Completing the Union, Securing Our Future.”

The Prime Minister underlined that the enlargement policy must ensure that EU doors remain open – not only for Montenegro but for all candidate countries. Its success is vital for the European Union itself, he said, adding that political will is decisive for a credible and effective process. We have seen this before in the case of several member states. It is time for Europe to once again demonstrate its ability to remain resilient and grow stronger in times of challenge, Spajić said.

Speaking on the opening panel, “The Geopolitical Imperative for Enlargement,” Spajić noted that the EU has shown strong resilience in the face of geopolitical pressures, and described enlargement as a pillar that strengthens the Union’s global influence.

Responding to a question on defence spending, the Prime Minister announced that Montenegro will increase its defence allocations in the 2026 Budget. We must not underestimate the importance of defence. It is not an expense – it is an investment in a secure future, he said. Spajić stressed that Montenegro aims to be a leader in the integration process, a country that delivers concrete results.

He further highlighted the importance of economic strengthening, emphasising that the Government’s reform agenda aims to build a more resilient and structurally robust economy.

Alongside Prime Minister Spajić, the panel featured Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, and Prime Minister of Moldova Alexandru Munteanu.

The EU Enlargement Forum is an initiative of the European Commission designed to position enlargement as a shared political, social and generational priority, while fostering an inclusive dialogue that brings the process closer to citizens.