Montenegrin Ambassador: European Integration is Not an End in Itself

To mark Montenegro's Statehood Day, celebrated on 13 July, we spoke with the Montenegrin Ambassador to Serbia, Nebojša Đoković, about his country's European path, regional cooperation, relations with Serbia, foreign policy priorities, and the importance of economic diplomacy.

"Montenegro's Statehood Day is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the values upon which our state rests: freedom, anti-fascism, multi-ethnic harmony, and a European orientation. In the past year, Montenegro has made significant progress precisely on the path of European integration, confirming its status as the most advanced candidate for membership in the European Union.

I would particularly highlight the progress in fulfilling obligations from the negotiation process, the intensification of reforms in the area of the rule of law, and the successful maintenance of a positive political dialogue with European partners. At the same time, we have continued to develop our economy, improve the investment climate, and strengthen Montenegro's international reputation as a reliable member of NATO and a responsible partner in the region.

The greatest success is not found only in individual results, but in the fact that there is a clear strategic orientation of the state and a broad social consensus that a European future represents the best framework for Montenegro’s development and the well-being of its citizens."

European integration

Montenegro is considered the country that has made the most progress in the process of acceding to the European Union. Although those in Podgorica are unwilling to speculate on dates, their goal is clear: the continuation of reforms and the closing of negotiation chapters so that the country is ready for membership in the coming years. Nevertheless, the Ambassador believes it is most important that the benefits of the European path are felt primarily by the citizens.

Another confirmation Montenegro received from the EU was the trust to host a major summit. The recently held summit in Tivat gathered numerous regional and international officials. In your opinion, what are the most important messages and conclusions of this gathering?

"The Tivat summit once again confirmed that the Western Balkans remain high on the agenda of the European Union and international partners. It is particularly significant that the need for accelerating the enlargement process was emphasised, with a clear expectation that candidate countries continue implementing reforms.

Montenegro was once again recognised as a country that, through its results, confirms that a European perspective is achievable. At the same time, an important message was sent that regional cooperation is not an alternative to European integration, but an integral part of it.

In a time of numerous geopolitical challenges, a stable and prosperous Western Balkans represents a common interest for all of Europe, and Montenegro will continue to contribute to dialogue, connectivity, and the strengthening of mutual trust."

European integration is at the very top of your country's agenda. How do you assess Montenegro's progress and what is a realistic date for membership?

"Today, Montenegro has moved the furthest in negotiations with the European Union, and that is a recognition of many years of reform work. Of course, membership will not be the result of political expectations, but exclusively of meeting clearly defined criteria.

Our goal remains ambitious - to be ready for membership by 2028, provided we continue at the current pace of reform and that the enlargement process is equally strongly supported by the European Union.

It is important to emphasise that European integration is not an end in itself. The reforms we are implementing primarily serve our citizens through the strengthening of institutions, legal certainty, economic development, and quality of life."

Which of the chapters is currently the most difficult to close and why?

"The most demanding remain Chapters 23 and 24, which refer to the rule of law, the judiciary, the fight against corruption and organised crime, and the protection of fundamental rights.

This is not a specificity of Montenegro alone; these are areas that represent the foundation of European values and on which the overall dynamics of negotiations depend.

Precisely for this reason, Montenegro approaches these reforms as a long-term process of institutional strengthening, aware that the quality of the reforms implemented is of much greater importance than their speed."

What would Montenegro's EU membership mean in concrete terms for the economy and the citizens? In which area do you expect the fastest visible effects?

"Membership in the European Union would bring, first and foremost, greater legal certainty, stronger investments, access to significantly larger European funds, and an additional boost to economic development.

Citizens would feel the benefits through higher-quality public services, improved infrastructure, more opportunities for education, employment, and business, as well as through the harmonisation of standards with the most developed European states.

The fastest effects are expected in the fields of investment, infrastructure, digitalisation, and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises. However, in the long term, the greatest value of membership will be stronger institutions and greater citizen confidence in the system. Montenegro already uses the euro as its currency, which reduces transaction costs. Taxes are attractive to investors, and by entering the EU, the possibility is created for us to become a platform for many investors to more easily break into the European market."

Regional cooperation

In addition to European integration, an important part of Montenegro’s foreign policy agenda is cooperation with the countries of the region. From infrastructural connectivity and the economy to education and culture, there is room for joint projects, and good relations with neighbours, the Ambassador emphasises, represent an important part of the European path for the entire Western Balkans. Relations between Serbia and Montenegro have a special place in this.

To what extent does regional cooperation contribute to faster progress of Western Balkan states toward EU membership?

"Regional cooperation is one of the key elements of European enlargement policy. The European Union expects the countries of the region to develop good-neighbourly relations, improve economic connectivity, and jointly respond to challenges.

Montenegro consistently promotes dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation based on equality and common interests.

The progress of one state represents an incentive for the entire region, as it contributes to the overall stability of the Western Balkans and strengthens the confidence of European partners in the policy of enlargement."

What role can Serbia and Montenegro have together in strengthening stability and the economic development of the region?

"Serbia and Montenegro are close states connected by their economy and intense interpersonal contacts. We share a common history of almost a century of life through various forms of social organisation, a common struggle for freedom, and unforgettable glorious victories - among which I would highlight, for example, the Battle of Mojkovac. This year marked 110 years since that heroic epic.

Our countries can work together to contribute to the development of transport and energy connectivity, the improvement of trade, tourism, digital transformation, and cooperation in the fields of education, science, and culture.

Stable and constructive bilateral relations represent a contribution not only to our citizens but to the overall stability of the region."

You have mentioned several times that Serbia and Montenegro have no open issues. Nevertheless, there is room for improving relations. What is most important when we speak about cooperation?

"Montenegro and Serbia have intense and substantive relations in numerous areas. Our citizens confirm every day how much the two states rely on one another. The closeness and connectivity of our states are evident.
There is always room to further improve cooperation through more frequent institutional contacts, the development of joint infrastructure projects, the strengthening of economic cooperation, the improvement of cultural and educational ties, as well as through greater support for business communities.
Our approach remains simple: open dialogue, mutual respect, and a focus on topics that bring concrete benefits to the citizens of both states."

Foreign policy

Today, when international relations are changing rapidly, small states face the challenge of maintaining clear foreign policy priorities while also developing cooperation with various partners. Montenegro, the Ambassador says, remains firmly committed to European Union membership, while simultaneously nurturing bilateral relations that can contribute to the country's economic development.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić recently met with the Prime Minister of China. Your government maintains relations with the great powers in the East, parallel to EU integration. How does Montenegro balance those relations?

"Montenegro’s foreign policy is clearly defined. Our strategic priority remains membership in the European Union, alongside full alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, as well as the responsible fulfilment of obligations arising from our NATO membership.

At the same time, Montenegro develops constructive bilateral relations with numerous countries around the world, including China, on the basis of mutual respect, international law, and mutually beneficial economic cooperation.

Developing economic relations with different partners does not call into question our strategic European and Euro-Atlantic orientation; rather, it represents part of a responsible and balanced foreign policy."

How do you see Montenegro's role in relation to the USA in the current regional context?

"The United States of America is one of Montenegro's most important strategic partners. Our partnership is based on shared values, our alliance within NATO, and long-standing cooperation in the areas of security, reform, and economic development.

Montenegro remains committed to strengthening transatlantic relations, as we believe that a strong European and transatlantic partnership is key to the stability of the Western Balkans.

At the same time, we will continue to be a reliable partner that contributes to regional security, dialogue, and international cooperation."

(EUpravo zato)