Montenegrin President Milatović Outlines Vision for EU Membership

During a recent visit to France, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović delivered a lecture at the prestigious Sciences Po in Paris. This institution has educated numerous global leaders, including six former French presidents. The lecture, titled “The European Integration Process: The Story of Montenegro,” provided an opportunity for Milatović to articulate his vision for a modern and determined Montenegro, which aims to demonstrate its readiness for European Union membership by 2028.

Milatović emphasized that Montenegro is currently the most advanced candidate for EU membership. He expressed confidence that the nation will complete its negotiations by 2026 and secure its rightful place in the European family of nations within two years thereafter. “Montenegro today is determined to finish negotiations by 2026 and deservedly take its place among the European nations by 2028,” stated Milatović.

The president described Montenegro’s EU journey as a political objective and a national project that unites society around shared values of stability, knowledge, and progress. He highlighted Montenegro’s status as a NATO member that uses the euro and aligns fully with the EU’s common foreign and security policy. “Our country demonstrates that it can exert significant European influence when it possesses a clear vision and the courage to implement it,” he asserted.

In his presentation, Milatović outlined four potential scenarios for the future expansion of the EU, noting the most favorable outcome would involve both the Union and candidate countries delivering tangible results together. He placed special emphasis on the importance of youth and education, stating that for young people, the European Union represents opportunities, knowledge, and standards of living.

To bridge the gap between the youth and European institutions, Montenegro has launched the EU Academy. This initiative aims to provide a platform for young individuals to learn, create, and lead change. “The European Montenegro starts with them,” Milatović remarked, underscoring the critical role of education in shaping the future of the country.

Milatović concluded his lecture by affirming that the construction of a European Montenegro is not limited to Brussels but takes place daily at home through knowledge, hard work, and the ideas of those who believe in the future of the country. His address at Sciences Po garnered significant interest from students and professors alike, reinforcing Montenegro’s growing voice in European discussions about the continent’s future.

As Montenegro continues its path towards integration with the European Union, the efforts of its leadership and the engagement of its youth will be pivotal in shaping the nation’s role on the European stage.