Montenegro is ready to take over the chairmanship of the Berlin Process, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said, adding that this will accelerate the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union (EU).
Spajić, as announced by the Government, said this today at the Berlin Process Summit in London, where stability, security and economic cooperation in the region are being discussed.
"Montenegro is ready to take over the chairmanship of the Berlin Process, and its leadership of this diplomatic initiative next year will accelerate the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU," said Spajić.
He emphasized that the coming year is particularly important for Montenegro because, among other things, it plans to close all negotiation chapters and formally conclude accession negotiations.
"Next year, we will not only celebrate 20 years since the restoration of state independence, but we will also host the EU-Western Balkans Summit and assume the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe," Spajić said.
As he added, in that spirit, and given the importance of the Berlin Process for Montenegro, he announces that the country is ready to take over the chairmanship of the Berlin Process next year.
According to Spajić, Montenegro accepts this responsibility with determination and a firm commitment to build on this year's successes.
"With our leadership, we will advocate for the accelerated implementation of the Regional Common Market and the Green Agenda, improved transparency and deepened cooperation in digital, green and security initiatives, as well as in the areas of mobility, education, science and innovation," said Spajić.
He emphasized that it is time for the Western Balkans to be recognized as the next European development zone.
"Let us allow our political words to be accompanied by economic deeds - so that we can turn the promise of the Berlin Process into prosperity that every citizen of our region will feel," Spajić said.
He thanked the United Kingdom for its exceptional organization and leadership of this year's Berlin Process Summit, emphasizing that it confirmed the enduring importance of that platform for regional cooperation, economic integration, and a shared European future.
Spajić recalled that Montenegro has taken a significant step forward by joining SEPA, stating that this has brought our companies and citizens closer to full participation in the European financial system.
"This year we have seen that when the Western Balkans and the EU act with ambition and strategic vision, progress is real and measurable. From sustainable investment frameworks to the adoption of green bond standards and the Regional Innovation Platform, this year has been a year of tangible results," said Spajić.
As he pointed out, an equally strong symbolic and practical step forward would be the abolition of roaming fees between the EU and the Western Balkans.
"Achieving 'Roaming Like Home' would send a strong message of unity and equality, connect our citizens in the most direct way possible, and strengthen the single digital market that connects us all," said Spajić.
Speaking about security, he emphasized the importance of the Western Balkans Cyber Capability Center — WB3C in Montenegro.
"This initiative, supported by France, Slovenia and Montenegro, is a shining example of how regional and European cooperation can strengthen our collective defense in the digital sphere," said Spajić.
He welcomed the United Kingdom's plans to join the initiative and provide financial support, as part of a five million pound regional cybersecurity program in the Western Balkans.
According to Spajić, a decisive fight against organized crime and corruption, energy and food security, and resilience to climate change are also part of Montenegro's strategic agenda.
"The Western Balkans cannot afford to be vulnerable — neither due to external shocks nor internal divisions. That is why we support initiatives such as the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and cooperation within the framework of the Common Regional Market, which strengthen both economic and strategic resilience," Spajić emphasized.
The London summit is the 12th summit of the Berlin Process, and Balkan and European leaders have met so far in Berlin, London, Vienna, Paris, Trieste, Poznan, Sofia and Tirana as part of this diplomatic initiative.
Bonus video:
