European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that Montenegro could close up to five EU accession chapters by the end of this year, as Brussels praised the country’s progress toward European Union membership.
“There is a possibility to close five chapters by the end of the year — perhaps even all, if reforms continue and political commitment remains strong across the spectrum,” von der Leyen said at the EU–Montenegro Investment Conference titled “Smart Growth, Green Future: Accelerating Investment in Montenegro.”
Von der Leyen announced a €38 million disbursement under the EU Growth Plan, and confirmed that roaming charges between Montenegro and the EU will be abolished next year.
“Montenegro is the frontrunner in the EU integration process,” she said, commending the country’s accession to SEPA, the EU’s single euro payments area. “Together we can succeed and unite Europe,” she added.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said Montenegro’s “future lies in the EU,” calling the moment “right for investment and large infrastructure projects.” He highlighted the Budva bypass and the modernization of railways as key development priorities.
“Montenegro has no dominant ethnic group — we are used to dialogue and compromise,” Spajić said. “Our country is already a small-scale European Union, a bridge between the EU and the Western Balkans.”
He noted that the European Commission’s annual report on Montenegro could be published as early as November 4, and reaffirmed the government’s focus on institutional and economic reforms.
Responding to questions about the pace of Montenegro’s accession, von der Leyen said: “The accession treaty will be ready when Montenegro is ready.”
She also underscored that media freedom is a cornerstone of the EU, while refraining from commenting on ongoing judicial proceedings. On the appointment of Constitutional Court judges, von der Leyen urged implementation of Venice Commission recommendations and expressed hope for “swift results” from parliamentary talks.
Spajić concluded that “speedy EU accession and institutional efficiency should remain the main goals.”