Remarks by President António Costa at the joint press conference with President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović
European Council / Council of the European Union
European Council
Statements and remarks
14 May 2025 12:35
It is my pleasure to be in Podgorica. Thank you dear Jakov for having us here.
Enlargement is the most important geopolitical investment in the stability, peace and prosperity in the Western Balkans and the whole of Europe.
It is inspiring to see how Montenegro has advanced on its European path. It is the result of your ambition, hard work and focus to become an EU member state.
You are delivering not only on reforms but also maintaining full alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security policy, namely supporting a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Montenegro is one of the finest examples of the EU's positive enlargement momentum. Your actions have been instrumental in building it up. Just yesterday, the European Parliament, by an overwhelming majority recognised it and the important progress you have made. Now it is vital to maintain this approach - keep the focus on the objective and not slow down this impressive course.
To be the 28th EU member state by 2028 is a very good slogan, but it could be a better achievement to get there before 2028.
Political consensus and institutional stability are vital to complete accession. It is also important to maintain good neighbourly relations, especially with those countries, who are already members of the European Union. This is part of the accession criteria and a pre-requisite to EU membership.
Dear President, dear Jakov, I am looking forward to continuing our work with you - already tomorrow in our meeting with Ursula von der Leyen and all the other leaders of the Western Balkans, to contribute altogether to the great success of this enlargement. Especially and first of all, with Montenegro's accession.
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