Montenegro’s progress in combating crime and corruption, as well as its improvements in border management and migration, are already enhancing the security of the European Union, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said on Thursday.
Kos made the remarks during a meeting with Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Becic and Minister of Internal Affairs Danilo Saranovic, held during their visit to Brussels.
“Montenegro has made great strides on its path toward the EU,” Kos said, according to a government press release. “You have my full support for your aspiration to close all negotiating chapters by 2026.”
She noted, however, that further work is needed in areas such as visa policy.
Becic thanked Kos for the encouraging messages and continued support.
“We are pleased that the annual EU Report recognized Montenegro’s strong results in the fight against organized crime and corruption,” Becic said, adding that close cooperation between Montenegro’s security sector and Europol has been instrumental in achieving these outcomes.
Saranovic highlighted Montenegro’s achievements in strategic planning, describing the results as “outstanding.”