Montenegro has continued to confirm its European commitment through measurable and sustainable results, and its EU membership will be a strong confirmation of the credibility of the enlargement policy and the Union’s continued commitment to the region, it was assessed during the meetings of the Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević in Lisbon.
During her working visit to Portugal, Gorčević met with the Secretary of State for European Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Inês Domingos, and with the Chair of the Committee on European Affairs of the Parliament of Portugal, Edite Estrela.
Minister Gorčević expressed gratitude for Portugal’s strong and continuous political and expert support to Montenegro’s EU accession process, emphasizing that such support is invaluable in the final phase of negotiations. She pointed out that Montenegro seeks to further strengthen bilateral cooperation through concrete projects in the areas of building administrative capacities, digitalization of public administration, healthcare, and sustainable energy, which are key to successfully closing negotiating chapters.
She informed her interlocutors about the roadmap for the provisional closure of all negotiating chapters, stressing that the Government has set clear deadlines, precisely defined obligations, and measurable criteria in order to ensure steady and irreversible progress in all key areas of reform.
“There is no doubt when it comes to Montenegro’s political commitment to EU membership. The European agenda is our strategic priority and the foundation of overall social development. We are determined to fulfill all obligations from the negotiation process and, with the strong support of our partners, to take our place in 2028 as a full-fledged, 28th member state of the European Union. This will not only be Montenegro’s success, but also a clear signal that the enlargement policy delivers results when there is credible commitment on both sides,” Gorčević said.
The Secretary of State for European Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Inês Domingos, reiterated Portugal’s strong support for Montenegro’s European integration and expressed the expectation that Montenegro will continue to demonstrate its leadership in the process through measurable results in all areas, particularly in the field of the rule of law.
“We welcome the results Montenegro is achieving in the negotiation process. They are important because of EU membership, but even more important because of the well-being of Montenegrin society as a whole. Continue with successful reforms, and Portugal and the entire EU will continue to support you in becoming the next member,” Domingos stated.
At the meeting with the Chair of the parliamentary Committee on European Affairs, Edite Estrela, the Minister emphasized that the Government is aware that the provisional closure of chapters does not represent the end of the reform process, but rather confirmation of its maturity.
“We do not perceive EU membership as a goal in itself, but as a framework for the lasting transformation of society. Even after accession, Montenegro will continue to fully align with the EU acquis, further strengthen institutional capacities, and ensure that European standards are not only formally adopted, but consistently and effectively implemented in practice – in the interest of our citizens,” she stressed.
The Chair of the Committee agreed that Montenegro’s EU membership will further strengthen the European perspective of the Western Balkans and contribute to the stability and progress of the region, as well as of Europe as a whole.
She pointed out that there are significant areas for improving cooperation between the two countries and stated that Portugal will continue to provide strong support for Montenegro’s EU membership.
During her stay in Portugal, the Minister will also deliver a lecture at the prestigious “Portuguese Historical Society for Independence” on the geopolitical significance of European Union enlargement, the role of Montenegro as a frontrunner in the negotiation process, and will speak with representatives of the diplomatic corps, the academic community, and the executive and legislative branches.
MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS
