The Government of Montenegro, determined to close all negotiating chapters by the end of this year, has branded an aircraft of the national airline, AIR Montenegro, with a clear slogan: “28by28 – The Next EU Member” (Montenegro – the next EU member). The aim of the campaign is to send a message to the international public that Montenegro will become a member of the European Union by 2028.
The aircraft branding is part of a series of activities that will be implemented in the coming period in cooperation with institutions, the business community, artists, scientists, and athletes, so that not only the domestic but also the European public becomes familiar with Montenegro’s results in the EU integration process and its ambition to achieve full membership by 2028.
The aircraft was welcomed at Podgorica Airport by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, Deputy Prime Minister Filip Ivanović, Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AIR Montenegro Tihomir Dragaš, CEO of AIR Montenegro Vuk Stojanović, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Airports of Montenegro Stefan Madžgalj.
The Prime Minister stated that the message displayed on the aircraft of Montenegro’s national airline is not merely symbolic, but a strategic declaration of the state.
“We are bringing Europe to Montenegro and carrying Montenegro to Europe! Across the European Union, our national airline carries the message – Montenegro is the next member of the European Union. Montenegro knows what it offers Europe – not only a magical coastline and magnificent mountains, but also proof that it is possible to be small and yet be a home for all. It also offers stability, new energy, and confirmation that we can be united in diversity, which is the EU’s motto,” said Prime Minister Spajić.
Minister Maida Gorčević emphasized that for many generations the European Union had been promised as an idea, and that Montenegro has now set this goal as ambitious but achievable.
“It shows where Montenegro belongs. It is time for all our institutions, the business sector, athletes, scientists, artists, students, media, civil society, local communities, and the diaspora to convey the same message across the European Union – 28 by 2028. We have taken responsibility for difficult decisions in order to turn plans, strategies, and programs into reality for our citizens. Montenegro is European by its history and culture, and through membership it will confirm this with full commitment to the value framework on which modern Europe is built,” said Gorčević.
On behalf of the national airline, CEO Vuk Stojanović highlighted the importance of Montenegro’s international promotion and the campaign’s visibility on the European market.
“The aircraft that today carry the message that Montenegro is the next member of the European Union bear more than just stickers. They symbolize connection, openness, and trust in the future of our country. The Government entrusted this message to AIR Montenegro for a reason, thereby showing that Montenegro’s European path is not only a political goal, but a living practice – reflected through high standards and responsibility. Day by day, the national carrier builds trust and connects people, flying according to European rules and values,” said Stojanović.
The Government of Montenegro is entering the final phase of the negotiation process with a clearly defined timeline and full responsibility, expecting key steps to be confirmed in the coming months, starting next month with the closure of Chapter 21 – Trans-European Networks. The European path is not just a plan – it is a process that is steadily approaching its conclusion, and Montenegro stands firm and committed to fulfilling its European ambitions, entering a new era as a full member of the European family.
MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS
