Montenegro has made significant progress both domestically and on its path towards Europe. These reform efforts must be recognised and rewarded. For us, Europe is stronger, safer and more prosperous when a country like Montenegro joins the European Union. Of course, all conditions must be met, but we are very positive that you will be able to conclude the negotiations in the coming months. We would be very pleased to see Montenegro as the 28th Member State of the European Union in 2028, said Prime Minister of LuxembourgLuc Friedenfollowing his meeting with Prime Minister of MontenegroMilojko Spajić.

At a press conference held after the meeting between the two officials at the headquarters of the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Prime Minister Frieden stated that membership is not a present to Montenegro, but rather a process that makes the European family stronger, safer and better, which is also in Luxembourg’s interest.

In his remarks to the media following the meeting, the Prime Minister of Montenegro thanked Luxembourg for its support to Montenegro’s European path and stressed that Montenegro is fully aware of the demanding nature of the process, but remains committed and ready to deliver results.

We do not want to join the European Union just for the sake of joining. We want to add value, and I am confident that with your support and the support of our partners, we will be able to close all chapters by the end of 2026, so that the European Union can welcome a new Member State in 2028, said Spajić.

Responding to a question from journalists regarding the non-paper on enlargement policy, which among other things proposes limited voting rights for new Member States, Prime Minister Frieden said that once Montenegro becomes a full member, it should also enjoy full voting rights. We do not believe that, in the case of Montenegro, any additional conditions should be added at the end of the negotiations, he added.

The Prime Minister of Luxembourg explained that the most important part of the document relates to ensuring respect for the rule of law and the need to guarantee that new Member States fully comply with all rules concerning the legal framework, judicial independence, and the rule of law.

In this regard, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić recalled that Montenegro has made significant progress in the European integration process and stressed the importance of continued support in this regard. However, as he noted, it is necessary to prevent anything that we do not want to see happening in the future. A backsliding in the rule of law is something neither we nor the European Union want to see. It is not in our interest, nor in Europe’s interest, said Prime Minister Spajić.

Asked by the media what more is needed for Montenegro to complete the process and how Luxembourg can help, Prime Minister Frieden said that most of the work has already been done and that the end of the process is in sight.

We believe that the negotiations can be concluded in the coming months. As Prime Minister, I will support you in the European Council, where decisions will be made – both with my mind and my heart. My mind tells me this is what brings people together; my heart agrees. Because I believe that together we are stronger and more united, he said, adding that we share the same continent and that, “if we want to avoid others expanding their influence in the region, we should take care of our friends and neighbours.”

Regarding Luxembourg’s support, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić noted that there is room for progress in Chapters 9 and 17, as well as in the remaining financial chapters, and stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation.

We will work on establishing a year-round air connection to better link our business communities and other areas of mutual interest in the future, the Prime Minister concluded.

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