Montenegro's EU Membership Seen as Key to Balkan Integration, Says PM
Montenegro the cookie of the Balkans: 'If you like it, you take more,' PM tells Euronews
Euronews
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Montenegro's Prime Minister Milojko Spajić expressed optimism about EU membership revitalizing Balkan integration during an EU summit. EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, support Montenegro's accession, potentially by 2028, despite ongoing challenges in the negotiation process.
- 01Montenegro aims to join the EU by 2028, with strong backing from EU leaders.
- 02The country has been an official candidate since 2010 and has concluded negotiations on 14 of 35 required reform clusters.
- 03Prime Minister Spajić likened Montenegro to a 'cookie' of the Balkans, suggesting that its success could encourage other countries.
- 04EU expansion is seen as a geostrategic imperative, especially in light of external threats from Russia.
- 05Montenegro has a pro-European agenda and is already a NATO member, which simplifies its EU accession process.
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During a recent EU-Western Balkans summit in Tivat, Montenegro's Prime Minister Milojko Spajić emphasized the potential for his country to join the European Union by 2028, which he believes could invigorate the EU accession process for other Balkan nations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen supported this view, stating that Montenegro's membership is 'within reach.' Montenegro has been a candidate since 2010 and has made progress by negotiating 14 out of 35 required reform clusters. Spajić described Montenegro as a 'cookie' of the Balkans, suggesting that its successful integration could encourage other countries to follow suit. He also highlighted the importance of EU expansion as a response to external threats, particularly from Russia. While challenges remain in the accession talks, the support from EU leaders signals a strong commitment to Montenegro's EU aspirations.
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Montenegro's EU membership could enhance economic opportunities and political stability in the region.
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