Montenegro is positioning itself as the next country to join the European Union, with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić expressing confidence that full membership could be achieved by 2028.
Speaking to Euronews, Spajić stated that Montenegro is already operating as if it were an EU member and remains committed to completing the accession process.
Outlining the country’s strategic goals, Spajić highlighted Montenegro’s plan to close all EU accession chapters by the end of 2026, setting the stage for official membership by January 2028.
On economic progress, he stated, “we are very optimistic of our economic future. In the last 4 or 5 years, we have managed to double our GDP.” He suggested that Montenegro’s rapid growth could position it as a net contributor to EU funds rather than a recipient.
Spajić also emphasized Montenegro’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious identity, calling it a potential “bridge towards the rest of the Balkans” and describing it as “a beacon of light that EU is open for us.”
When asked why EU integration should happen now, Spajić pointed to the shifting global geopolitical landscape. “The big powers are racing, big powers innovating, big powers are trying to find new markets. And I think you should do the same,” he said, urging the EU to act on enlargement.
