Montenegro's membership in the EU will bring increased investment, improved infrastructure, digital transformation and strengthening of regional and international positions, announced Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development, Nik Đeljošaj, at a conference organized by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham).
"We see Montenegro in 2028 as a stable EU member with efficient institutions and a competitive business environment, which will bring investment growth, infrastructure improvement, digital transformation and strengthening of regional and international position," said Đeljošaj at the ACE 2025 Best Practice Sharing Conference, held in Kotor.
At a gala dinner and panel discussion titled Montenegro on its path to the EU, he said that Montenegro, when it becomes part of the EU, will be a destination where investors can count on security and professional administration, while citizens will feel direct benefits through economic growth and employment.
AmCham announced that representatives of 30 American chambers of commerce from Europe and Eurasia, executive directors and leaders of the most influential international business communities will visit Montenegro during the three-day ACE 2025 Best Practice Sharing Conference.
The President of the AmChams in Europe network (ACE), Ajša Vodnik, said that such conferences are a valuable opportunity to build stronger relationships for a better Europe and to further strengthen transatlantic ties.
"We are especially pleased to be in Montenegro, where we support the country's aspirations to join the EU," said Vodnik.
The President of the AmCham Board of Directors, Sanja Ćalasan, stated that European integration is not just a political aspiration, but also an economic path that requires investment, innovation and trust.
“This is where American chambers of commerce play a unique role. Across the continent, they act as bridges between governments and businesses, Europe and the US, investors and opportunities. AmCham Montenegro stands proudly as such a bridge. Our mission is to support a stable and open economy, help attract foreign investment, and provide a platform where dialogue turns into action,” said Ćalasan.
She said that AmCham is dedicated to creating opportunities and shaping an environment in which investors can be sure that Montenegro is not only beautiful to visit, but also a promising country in which to build and grow.
"Montenegro is ready to become part of the European family, it is committed to strengthening transatlantic ties and appreciates the trust and contribution of the international business community," said Ćalasan.
AmCham Director Marko Miročević said that Montenegro's readiness for EU membership is measured by its ability to create opportunities, and that the 2023/2024 Business Climate Report gives encouraging signals.
"According to that report, 83 percent of our members expect growth and see alignment with European standards as a path to more predictable rules, more efficient administration, combating the shadow economy, and accelerating digital transformation. This optimism is largely linked to the EU accession process, which has never been closer than it is now," Miročević said.
He added that by adopting EU standards, AmCham members believe that some of the key obstacles preventing Montenegro from fully realizing its potential will be resolved or significantly reduced.
"Namely, they expect concrete progress in the rule of law and legal certainty, significantly greater efficiency of public administration, the suppression of the gray economy, and the digital transformation of the economy," said Miročević.
In his concluding messages, Đeljošaj said that Montenegro will continue to actively work on strategic positioning in key development sectors in the coming period, in order to attract investments, stimulate economic growth and ensure long-term sustainable development.
"Intensive work is underway on preparations for the temporary closure of chapters three and six in negotiations with the EU, because we believe that these are key chapters for creating a predictable and efficient business environment, but also for strengthening legal security for investors and citizens," concluded Đeljošaj.
The ACE 2025 Best Practice Sharing Conference is held under the auspices of the AmChams in Europe network, an umbrella organization that brings together 49 AmChams in 47 countries in Europe and Eurasia, represents the interests of more than 17 thousand American and European companies and employs over 20 million people.
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