Montenegro ‘Within Reach’ of Joining the EU by 2028, Says Ursula von der Leyen
Montenegro has received strong backing from European Union leaders in its ambition to become a full EU member by 2028. The encouraging message came during a major summit held in the coastal town of Tivat, where European and Western Balkan leaders gathered to discuss the future expansion of the European Union.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described Montenegro’s membership goal as “within reach,” signalling growing confidence that the small Balkan nation could become the next country to join the bloc.
The summit highlighted the EU’s renewed commitment to enlargement at a time when Europe faces increasing security, economic and geopolitical challenges.
Major EU-Balkans Summit Held in Montenegro
The high-profile gathering in Tivat brought together some of Europe’s most influential leaders, including:
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
- French President Emmanuel Macron
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
- European Council President Antonio Costa
- Leaders from Western Balkan candidate countries
The meeting focused on the European Union’s enlargement strategy and strengthening partnerships with countries in the Western Balkans.
The region has become increasingly important for the EU as it seeks to counter growing influence from Russia and China while promoting stability, democracy and economic growth across Europe.
Von der Leyen Expresses Confidence in Montenegro’s EU Future
Speaking after the summit, Ursula von der Leyen praised Montenegro’s progress and expressed confidence about its future within the European Union.
She said that two words best described the summit:
“Determination and confidence.”
According to von der Leyen, there is growing belief that the European Union will continue expanding in the coming years.
The European Commission has already established a working group tasked with preparing Montenegro’s accession treaty, demonstrating that the country’s membership process has entered an advanced stage.
Montenegro’s President Calls 2028 Goal Realistic
Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatovic welcomed the support shown by European leaders and said the summit strengthened his confidence in achieving the country’s membership target.
According to Milatovic:
- Montenegro remains committed to joining the EU by 2028.
- The goal is achievable and realistic.
- European partners strongly support the country’s ambitions.
The president stressed that his government remains focused on completing the necessary reforms required for membership.
Why EU Enlargement Has Become More Important
European Union leaders increasingly view enlargement as a strategic necessity rather than simply a political project.
The continent is currently facing several major challenges, including:
Economic Pressures
- Trade imbalances with China.
- Rising global competition.
- The need for stronger economic cooperation within Europe.
Security Concerns
- Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine.
- Growing hybrid threats, including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns.
- Concerns about future regional instability.
Migration Challenges
- Continued migration pressures across European borders.
- The need for stronger regional cooperation on border security.
Defence Independence
Many European countries are also seeking to strengthen their own defence capabilities amid concerns that future U.S. administrations may be less willing to provide extensive security support through NATO.
Against this backdrop, von der Leyen described Western Balkans enlargement as a “geostrategic imperative” for Europe.
Candidate Countries Must Continue Reforms
Despite the positive momentum, EU leaders made it clear that membership remains dependent on reforms.
Countries seeking to join the bloc must continue efforts to:
- Fight corruption.
- Strengthen democratic institutions.
- Improve judicial independence.
- Protect the rule of law.
- Align national policies with EU standards.
Von der Leyen emphasised that EU membership remains a merit-based process.
She explained that being merit-based does not mean being slow, but rather fair and predictable.
The European Union aims to reward countries that successfully implement reforms with deeper integration and eventual membership.
EU Looking for Ways to Speed Up Membership Process
European Council President Antonio Costa acknowledged frustrations among some candidate countries regarding the lengthy accession process.
Costa revealed that EU leaders are exploring new ideas to:
- Simplify accession procedures.
- Accelerate negotiations.
- Build trust between the EU and candidate countries.
- Increase motivation for reforms.
Such measures could help countries move through the membership process more efficiently while maintaining high standards.
Montenegro Leads the Western Balkans Race
Among all Western Balkan candidates, Montenegro is widely considered the most advanced in its journey toward EU membership.
Current EU candidate countries in the region include:
- Montenegro
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Serbia
- Kosovo
- North Macedonia
Montenegro gained independence from its state union with Serbia in 2006 and recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of that historic milestone.
The country joined NATO in 2017 and has since focused heavily on European integration.
Its national slogan for EU membership, “28 by 28,” reflects its ambition to become the European Union’s 28th member state by 2028.
The slogan has even been painted on one of the aircraft operated by Montenegro’s national airline.
What Countries Must Do to Join the EU
The EU accession process is detailed and demanding.
Candidate countries must align their laws and regulations with European Union standards across 35 policy chapters covering areas such as:
- Justice and fundamental rights.
- Agriculture.
- Fisheries.
- Environment.
- Trade and competition.
- Public administration.
Every chapter must be approved unanimously by all 27 current EU member states before it can be opened and later closed.
Only after completing all chapters can a country officially join the European Union.
Other Nations Also Seeking Membership
Montenegro is not alone in its European ambitions.
Several other countries are also pursuing EU membership, including:
- Ukraine
- Moldova
- Serbia
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Kosovo
- North Macedonia
Meanwhile, Iceland is expected to hold a referendum in August to decide whether it should formally apply for EU membership.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic also expressed optimism after the summit, saying Western Balkan countries could make significant progress in the coming years if they continue implementing reforms.
EU Introduces New Safeguards for Future Members
One important topic discussed during the summit was how the EU can avoid governance problems after admitting new members.
European officials have become increasingly cautious following previous experiences with democratic backsliding inside the bloc.
Experts say the EU is now considering mechanisms that would:
- Apply financial penalties to countries that fail to uphold democratic standards.
- Restrict access to certain EU benefits if reforms are reversed.
- Ensure new members remain accountable even after joining.
According to geopolitical researcher Faruk Bašić, the EU is trying to balance enlargement with accountability.
The goal is to welcome new members while ensuring they continue respecting democratic principles and the rule of law after accession.
What Montenegro’s Progress Means for Europe
Montenegro’s rapid progress toward EU membership represents a significant milestone for both the country and the European Union.
For Montenegro, membership would provide:
- Greater access to European markets.
- Increased foreign investment.
- Stronger political influence.
- Enhanced economic opportunities.
For the EU, welcoming Montenegro would strengthen stability in the Western Balkans and reinforce the bloc’s influence in a strategically important region.
As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape Europe, Montenegro’s accession could become a key example of the EU’s commitment to expanding democratic values and regional cooperation.
Conclusion
The Tivat summit delivered one clear message: Montenegro is closer than ever to becoming a member of the European Union.
With strong support from Brussels and major European leaders, the country’s goal of joining the bloc by 2028 now appears increasingly achievable.
However, significant reforms still lie ahead. If Montenegro can continue meeting EU requirements and maintain political momentum, it could soon become the next nation to take its place within the European family.
Sources
- European Commission statements from President Ursula von der Leyen.
- Remarks from Montenegro President Jakov Milatovic.
- Statements by European Council President Antonio Costa.
- Comments from Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
- Reporting from the Tivat EU-Western Balkans Summit, Montenegro.
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