Spajić, Scholz: Realistic ambition for Montenegro to join the EU in four years

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during his first official visit to Germany.

Prime Minister Spajić was welcomed with full military honors at the headquarters of the Federal Government in Berlin.

The meeting highlighted the significant progress Montenegro has made in European integration over the past six months. Chancellor Scholz pledged Germany's full support, akin to the assistance provided to countries that joined the European Union in 2004.

It is high time for EU enlargement to materialize, and the prospects for Montenegro are promising, as no other country in the region progresses as rapidly. Montenegro has made considerable reform efforts, particularly in the rule of law, and this determination is crucial, stated Chancellor Scholz after the meeting.

In the context of EU integration, Prime Minister Spajić emphasised the importance of receiving the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report (IBAR) in June, which would serve as a clear sign and confirmation of significant progress in integration.

We expect Germany's support in reforming the security and police systems, further affirming our work in the rule of law. We do not want the rule of law to be merely a dead letter; we want it to be fully implemented. We are confident that this, along with the fair treatment of investors and the security provided by the reformed system, will be the best recommendation for attracting major German companies, said Prime Minister Spajić.

When discussing the enlargement process, Chancellor Scholz commended the ambition of the Montenegrin Government and emphasised that EU accession should be a merit-based process.

I see significant progress that Montenegro has achieved in the past period, and what is impressive is your ambition to close a large number of chapters in the shortest possible time. With this pace, completing the process within the next four years is a realistic ambition, and we will provide support at all levels, emphasised Chancellor Scholz.

Regional relations were also discussed, with the importance of the Berlin Process emphasised. It was noted that Montenegro's ratification of all four mobility agreements demonstrates its constructive approach.

The German Chancellor underscored Montenegro's importance as a stability factor in the Western Balkans.

During the discussions, it was announced that a Cultural Agreement between the two countries would be signed in May or June, and the issue of mutual recognition of driver's licenses would be resolved shortly.

It was concluded that there is significant potential for cooperation in the fields of energy, infrastructure, and tourism.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.