Milatović: Montenegro will become an EU member in 2028.

(Patria) - Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović stated in an interview for "The Guardian" that Brussels has an opportunity to renew its commitment to EU enlargement by Montenegro becoming its member.

- The EU can show its renewed commitment to the principle of enlargement by accepting its longest-standing candidate – Montenegro – within five years, Milatović said.

He believes that Montenegro's membership would show accession countries that the path of reforms pays off.

Milatović will visit London this week, where he will also meet with King Charles and British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.

- Russia's aggression against Ukraine acted as a wake-up call in Brussels and other European capitals that accession must be a geopolitical aspect.

Our membership would show the skeptical public that enlargement is still alive and not just an issue for elites, Milatović stated.

The Montenegrin President foresees a timeline according to which EU member states will ratify Montenegro's membership in 2027, leading to full membership in 2028.

Milatović adds that his leadership will have zero tolerance for corruption and that the new parliamentary majority will lead to the appointment of judges by the end of this year.