Milatović with Košta: Montenegro is an example of the European future of the Western Balkans

Montenegro is an example of a successful European future for the Western Balkans, said Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović.

Milatović, as announced by his Public Relations Office, met today in Tivat with the President of the European Council, Antonio Košta, ahead of the European Union-Western Balkans Summit being held in Montenegro.

Milatović said that holding the Summit in Tivat represents a strong confirmation of Montenegro's international credibility, as well as the result of intensive diplomatic activity conducted in close cooperation with the President of the European Council and European partners.

"Montenegro is an example of a successful European future for the Western Balkans. From Tivat, we send a message that EU enlargement is a strategically important and achievable European policy. This is a great recognition for our country and a great obligation to complete a historically important job," said President Milatović.

The conversation highlighted that Montenegro remains determined to become the 28th member of the European Union by 2028.

Milatović's Office adds that this goal requires full commitment to reforms, strengthening the rule of law, functional institutions, electoral reform, the fight against corruption, and the efficient use of European funds.

The Summit, they add, is given special symbolism by the fact that it is being held in the year when Montenegro marks twenty years since the restoration of independence.

The country that peacefully and democratically restored its independence two decades ago is today bringing Europe and the region together as the next member of the European Union.

"Our goal is for Montenegro to enter the European Union as an orderly, solidary and economically strong state. Citizens must experience Europe through better standards, strong institutions, more investments, development of the north, better education and healthcare, as well as through a state where honest work pays off," said President Milatović.

The interlocutors also discussed the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, regional connectivity, the common market, energy security and the resilience of the region in times of major geopolitical challenges.

Milatović said that Montenegro wants to be an example of the success of the European enlargement policy and a reliable partner in strengthening the stability of the region.

"Montenegro's success will be good news for the entire Western Balkans. When Montenegro becomes a member of the European Union, it will be proof that the European path makes sense, that reforms bring results and that the region has its place in the European family," he stressed.

Milatović, they added, thanked President Košta for the partnership, support for Montenegro's European perspective, and joint work on organizing the Summit.

"Tivat shows European unity, responsibility for the stability and development of the Western Balkans and a common, European future," the statement concludes.