Milatović: Montenegro is ready to become the 28th EU member by 2028

Montenegro is ready to become the 28th member of the European Union (EU) by 2028, said Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović, adding that the Union remains the most important cohesion factor for Southeast Europe.

As announced by the President's Office, Milatović participated today in Sofia at the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), dedicated to strengthening regional unity, stability and the European future of South East Europe.

Addressing the plenary session, Milatović said that European integration remains the strongest framework for stability, security and development of the region, emphasizing that Montenegro is ready to become the 28th member of the EU by 2028.

Milatović, it is added, congratulated Bulgaria on its successful SEECP chairmanship and recalled that it was in Sofia that the initiative that opened a new chapter in cooperation between the countries of Southeast Europe was founded three decades ago.

"Over three decades, SEECP has confirmed its relevance by building bridges, strengthening regional ties, and consolidating peace, stability, prosperity, and faster European integration," said Milatović.

He emphasized that the Common Regional Market stands out as an important driver of deeper economic integration, while the Green Agenda, the Digital Agenda and the SEE2030 Strategy represent development roadmaps that transform political commitments into measurable results.

Milatović emphasized that the EU remains the most important cohesion factor for Southeast Europe and the framework within which the region can ensure long-term stability, security and economic progress.

The statement states that the EU-Western Balkans Summit, held on Friday in Tivat, strengthened trust between the Union and the Western Balkans and gave new momentum to the enlargement policy.

As the host, Montenegro has confirmed the credibility of a country that brings together partners, builds trust and leads the region's European path.

"Our commitment to the European path is firm, unwavering and irreversible. We believe that our progress can serve as inspiration and motivation for our friends and partners across the Western Balkans," said Milatović.

It is added that Montenegro, as the most advanced candidate for EU membership, will continue to confirm through results, reforms and a responsible approach that enlargement is a realistic and achievable process.

"Montenegro is ready to contribute, ready to lead, and ready to join the EU as its 28th member by 2028," Milatović concluded.