Milatović - Hristodulidis: Cypriot expertise can provide support to Montenegro in closing the chapter

Cypriot expertise can provide significant support to Montenegro in the efficient closing of negotiation chapters and preparation for membership in the European Union (EU), it was assessed during the working visit of Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović to his Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides, and announced by the office of the head of state.

They met today in Nicosia.

"During the meeting, the excellent and friendly relations between the two countries were confirmed, with a joint assessment that Montenegro and Cyprus are entering a new phase of intensive political and institutional cooperation, especially in the context of Montenegro's European integration. The focus of the conversation was Montenegro's European agenda and the final phase of accession negotiations, where it was assessed that the political and expert support of EU member states, as well as the work on the preparation of the Accession Treaty, are of key importance for the successful completion of the negotiation process," the statement reads.

As they add, it was pointed out that back in December 2025, during talks with President Christodoulides, President Milatović initiated more intensive support for Montenegro's European path through the organization of a larger number of intergovernmental conferences during the Cypriot presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026, as well as the formation of an ad hoc working group to draft the Treaty on the Accession of Montenegro to the European Union.

"The interlocutors discussed Cyprus' experiences in the process of accession to the European Union, with particular emphasis on the final phase of negotiations, harmonization of legislation and strengthening of administrative capacities. It was assessed that Cypriot expertise can provide significant support to Montenegro in the efficient closure of negotiation chapters and preparation for membership. The Cypriot President reiterated his strong and principled support for the European Union's enlargement policy and the European perspective of the Western Balkans, assessing that Montenegro is the most advanced candidate and a reliable partner in the region," they said.

They also discussed the upcoming EU-Western Balkans Summit, which will be held in Montenegro for the first time during the accession process, which, they say, gives this event special significance and symbolism on the country's European path.

The President of Cyprus also announced his participation in the Summit, which further confirms its importance and the support of European partners to Montenegro in the final phase of integration. The interlocutors agreed that 2026 is a key period for the completion of Montenegro's negotiations with the EU and that strong support from member states, such as Cyprus, is crucial for the successful completion of the accession process. It was concluded that Montenegro and Cyprus will continue to strengthen political dialogue and institutional cooperation with the aim of successfully completing the accession process and Montenegro's full membership in the EU by 2028," the statement concluded.