Milatović and Rute: NATO and the EU are two sides of the policy of stability, rule of law and responsible international action

A statement from the office of Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović states that he confirmed Montenegro's full commitment to the Alliance, the transatlantic partnership and cooperation with allies.

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Rute and Milatović, Photo: Public Relations Office of the President of Montenegro

Disclaimer: The translations are mostly done through AI translator and might not be 100% accurate.

MINA

12.05.2026. 18:06h

NATO and the European Union (EU) are two sides of the same policy of stability, rule of law and responsible international action, it was announced at a meeting between President Jakov Milatović and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and it was stated that Montenegro remains a reliable ally.

A statement from Milatović's cabinet states that he confirmed Montenegro's full commitment to the Alliance, the transatlantic partnership and cooperation with allies.

The focus of the meeting, they said, was on the credibility of the alliance, regional stability, and modernization of capacities.

Jakov Milatović, Mark Rute — photo: Office for Public Relations of the President of Montenegro

"The Secretary General's visit has special significance because this is the first visit by a NATO Secretary General to Montenegro since its membership in 2017, and it is additionally symbolic because it comes in the year when Montenegro marks 20 years since the restoration of independence," the statement said.

It is added that in the conversation between Milatović and Rutte, it was emphasized that one of Montenegro's key foreign policy priorities is preserving its position as a credible and reliable NATO member.

The need for the Defense and Security Council to focus on fulfilling obligations regarding the modernization of the capacities of the Army of Montenegro, along with regular and coordinated institutional work, was emphasized, because national security issues must be above daily politics.

"It was emphasized that the stability of Montenegro and the region remains a common interest, as well as strengthening resilience to modern security challenges," the statement said.

Milatović's cabinet reminded that Montenegro is entering the final stages of negotiations on accession to the European Union and that the goal is full membership by 2028.

"It was emphasized that NATO and the EU are two sides of the same policy of stability, the rule of law and responsible international action," said a statement from Milatović's cabinet.

Rutte, they said, praised Montenegro's stability and its commitment to defense, as well as the country's constructive role in the region.

"With the message that Montenegro, as a reliable ally, contributes to the security of the Western Balkans and the wider Euro-Atlantic area," the statement said.