Montenegro’s bid to join the European Union has entered a decisive phase, President Jakov Milatović said on Saturday, stressing that support from Germany’s Bundestag would be crucial in the enlargement process.
Speaking during a visit to Munich, Milatović met with members of Germany’s CDU/CSU parliamentary group to discuss the next steps in Montenegro’s path toward EU membership by 2028.
“The German Bundestag plays a significant role in deciding on further stages of enlargement, which is why it is essential that Montenegro continues to deliver concrete and measurable results,” Milatović said in a post on social media platform X.
He said the rule of law, a determined fight against corruption and strong institutions remain the foundation of credible EU membership, adding that Germany supports Montenegro’s European perspective while insisting on consistent implementation of reforms.
Milatović announced that he will visit Germany again in mid-April, when he is expected to address the Bundestag in a bid to strengthen political backing for Montenegro’s accession.
“Our goal is clear: EU membership by 2028, based on reforms, the trust of our partners and results that citizens can feel,” he said.
Separately, Milatović met French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, describing relations between Montenegro and France as a partnership built on trust that strengthens the country’s European path.
On Friday evening, Milatović attended a working dinner hosted by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that brought together European Union leaders and U.S. senators to discuss transatlantic unity amid mounting security challenges.
Milatović said Montenegro’s NATO membership underpins its security and reflects its strategic commitment to the Euro-Atlantic community, adding that full EU membership is a natural continuation of that course.