Tivat, 14 October 2025
Prime Minister,
Thank you for welcoming me to Tivat. And thank you for showing me the stunning Bay of Kotor. That is impressive, what a beautiful country you have. Every time I come here, I can feel the heart of Europe beating in Montenegro. You are not only committed to your European future. You are very passionate about it, and it shows. Because you are a frontrunner, without any question, in the accession process. Since my visit last year, you have closed four negotiating chapters – this speed is amazing. And you are on good track to close another five this year. I know you are determined to close all chapters next year and to become, as you put it, 'the 28th by 2028'. This is ambitious – but we like ambition. And we know that Montenegro can do it if it stays focused on the goal, and united. Speak with one voice. Indeed, it is important to keep seeking consensus, across the whole political spectrum. As we say in the EU, with unity, you can move mountains.
The geopolitical momentum is now. Russia's aggression against Ukraine has reshaped our continent. Every European nation must choose its place. And pick a side. Montenegro has made its choice, very clearly. You are fully aligned with the European Union's foreign and security policy. We deeply appreciate your decision to send Montenegrin soldiers to support our training mission in Ukraine.
Of course, getting closer together is not only about geopolitics. It is also smart business. This was centre stage at this morning's investment conference. We have launched 14 outstanding projects. They are the result of great cooperation between talented businesses from the EU and Montenegro. You have solar and wind power farms. You have the first digital innovation campus in Montenegro. These are excellent success stories. I know we have so many more of them coming up.
Let us look at the bigger picture. Two years ago, we launched the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. The principle is very straightforward. Your economy gains access to our Single Market and new EU investments in Montenegro. In exchange, you deliver reforms. This is how you get a level playing field with the EU's market and Montenegro. In sum: the door to our Single Market is open for your businesses. But for our businesses it is also a widening of the Single Market in Montenegro. Everybody wins here.
The Growth Plan has the potential to double the economy of the Western Balkans in this decade. And it is already delivering. Let me give you three precise examples. First, you have made great progress on key reforms. Thanks to this, I am glad to announce the disbursement of EUR 8 million under the Growth Plan. Now, I do not even have to encourage you to stay the course on reforms, because I know you are focused on that, especially on the digital transition. Because this is how you can get access to the whole package of the Growth Plan. We are talking about more than EUR 380 million. Second, the Single Euro Payments Area. Two years ago, we first spoke about Montenegro joining SEPA. At that time, this looked as an extremely ambitious and a very challenging project. But you have made it happen. Since last week, transfer of money between Montenegro and the EU is not only safer but faster. And zero fees, absolutely cheaper.
My third point where the progress is tangible is roaming. Next year, we will abolish roaming charges between Montenegro and the EU. This is good for business, good for tourism, and especially good for bringing our people together.
Dear Prime Minister,
Perhaps the strongest case for enlargement is not only the economic cause, or the business cause, or the geopolitical cause. It is most and foremost about people. Montenegrins want Europe. A recent survey shows that 83% of Montenegrins see our partnership in a positive light. And across the Union, most citizens want to see Montenegro as part of the EU family. The support is particularly high in your immediate neighbourhood, in Slovenia and Croatia. And this is very good. Because good neighbourly relations are at the heart of the European Union. So dear Milojko, I wish you every success on your path towards the European Union. You can count on me to be by your side and to be by Montenegro's side on every step of the way. Together, we will reunite Europe.
