Kaja Kallas praises Montenegro’s bold EU reforms

Montenegro is a highly valued partner of the European Union and has made significant progress on its path to EU membership. These meetings give me the opportunity to reaffirm our support for Montenegro’s European integration, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, at a press conference with Montenegro's Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, CE Report reports.

Kallas welcomed Montenegro's commitment to reforms, emphasizing that the EU accession process requires going through difficult but necessary changes.

"I think this path is both impressive and inspiring for other Western Balkan countries. As you know, there are no shortcuts. Significant reforms must be carried out, and in that regard, I also welcome the recent agreement with the opposition to enable the Parliament to resume its work – this is extremely important," she said.

According to Kallas, the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is aimed at helping countries in the region move closer to EU membership, with a focus on boosting economic growth and accelerating socio-economic convergence.

"A prepayment of over €26 million will be disbursed to Montenegro already this month. Today, we also discussed the importance of enhancing security cooperation. We are living in turbulent times and therefore need to strengthen our defence cooperation. Under the European Peace Facility, the EU is providing €6 million worth of military equipment to Montenegro," she added.

Kallas also noted that Montenegro is benefiting from EU support to the Balkan Medical Taskforce through a package aimed at strengthening military medical capabilities — an important area of cooperation.

"These are just a few tangible examples of our joint work on security and Montenegro’s own security. We also discussed other important issues, including Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine. I’m grateful to Montenegro for supporting the UN resolution on Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the UN Charter. As small countries, we understand that the UN Charter is the umbrella that protects us all, which is why upholding its values is crucial," Kallas stated.

She concluded by thanking Montenegro for its support for the Ukrainian people:

"You have generously welcomed Ukrainian refugees – more per capita than any other country in the world – and that is a major contribution to Ukraine and its people."

Photo: European Commission