Milatović at EU-Western Balkans Summit: Montenegro is ready to become the next member of the European Union

(Patria) - President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović welcomed today in Tivat the leaders of the European Union and the Western Balkans. In his opening address at the EU-Western Balkans Summit, he stated that it is a great honor for Montenegro to host this gathering at a historic moment for the country and its European path. Montenegro is ready for the final step towards EU membership, Milatović said, among other things.

Tivat is today the center of Europe – for the first time in history, Montenegro is hosting the highest European and regional leaders. In Tivat today are European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as well as leaders from the region.

"This is a turning point for our country, the first Summit of its kind held in Montenegro during our accession negotiations, and in the year we mark twenty years since the restoration of independence," the president said.

He emphasized that Tivat is today a meeting place for Europe and the Western Balkans, united by a common vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and secure future within the European family.

"This Summit is a turning point for Montenegro, for the Western Balkans, and for the European Union itself. At a time when the enlargement process has regained strategic importance, our meeting brings new hope and new energy to all candidate countries," the president stated.

Milatović emphasized that the Summit confirms that commitment, reforms, and progress are recognized and valued, and that the European perspective of the region remains real and achievable, adding that for Montenegro this is a moment of responsibility and determination as we send a clear message that Montenegro is ready for the final step.

"We are determined to fulfill our obligations, seize this historic opportunity, and become the next member of the European Union, contributing to a stronger, safer, and more united Europe," President Milatović concluded.