By the end of April, Montenegro is expected to receive a prepayment of over 26 million EUR from the Western Balkans Growth Plan, as announced following a meeting between Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. Additionally, new chapters in Montenegro’s EU integration process are expected to be closed by the end of this year.
The government of Montenegro announced that this visit marks the beginning of High Representative Borrell’s tour of the Western Balkans, starting with Montenegro as a leader in integration efforts.
Borrell thanked Prime Minister Spajić for Montenegro’s full alignment with EU foreign and security policies and highlighted the country’s support for resolutions upholding Ukraine’s territorial integrity in UN votes.
“Montenegro is an incredibly valuable partner, which is why we begin our visit here. You have made excellent progress on your European path. Now, it is essential to focus on reforms, and I can assure you that the EU is here for you every step of the way,” Borrell said. He also expressed expectations that the 26 million EUR prepayment would be realized by the end of April, along with an additional 6 million EUR in support for Montenegro’s military.
Prime Minister Spajić emphasized that the government is working intensively to meet the requirements of the EU agenda and that the Montenegrin Parliament will play a crucial role in preparing for the closure of new chapters in 2025.
“Last year was our most successful in terms of European integration, and it serves as a foundation for this year and 2026, when we plan to complete a large part of the negotiating obligations. Montenegro has no doubts—EU membership is our strategic path, and nothing will divert us from it,” said Spajić.
The meeting also addressed the involvement of the Venice Commission in resolving the dispute regarding the retirement of Constitutional Court judges. Prime Minister Spajić stressed the importance of finalizing this process to ensure a legal framework free from conflicting interpretations, with support from the Venice Commission.
Regarding agreements signed with the UAE, the importance of Montenegro’s economic progress was highlighted. Spajić explained that the entire process is transparent and must be approved by the Parliament, ensuring adherence to legal norms. He noted that numerous laws passed recently provide a legal basis for strict controls to guarantee the credibility of these projects. Agreements also include guarantees from the UAE government.
“The economic development of Montenegro is in the EU’s interest. It is crucial that laws and commitments are respected and that equal rules apply to all,” responded Borrell when asked by reporters about the agreements.
The Prime Minister concluded by noting that some EU member states have entered into similar agreements with the UAE and that Montenegro is negotiating intergovernmental agreements with three EU member states.
