Following the working lunch and plenary session of the leaders of the European Union and the countries of the region, a joint press conference was held in Tivat by representatives of Montenegro, the European Council and the European Commission. Ursula von der Leyen, António Costa and Jakov Milatović addressed the media, as reported by EUpravo Zato’s correspondents from Tivat.As previously
confirmed, the conference provided an opportunity for officials to summarise the results of the discussions, reflect on the European perspective of the Western Balkans, and present the key messages from the meeting dedicated to strengthening cooperation and advancing the region’s European integration process.
Jakov Milatović: Montenegro is uniting the EU
"Today is a great day for Montenegro, but also for the entire region and the European Union," Milatović said at the beginning of his remarks, emphasising the historical significance of the moment.
He also stated that Montenegro is today uniting the European Union.
"The summit demonstrated that the enlargement policy is important and represents a strategic investment. Montenegro’s European path has gone through different phases, periods of success and, unfortunately, periods of stagnation. However, since 2023, Montenegro’s goal has been to become a member of the Union by 2028, and this has become a national project. I firmly believe that this goal is realistic and achievable," Milatović stressed.
As he explained, there are three important dimensions. The first is membership itself, which would represent a triumph of a new political culture and leadership, a sign of successful public administration and confirmation of the success of long-term reforms.
"The second dimension is regional, because Montenegro wants to serve as encouragement and an example to others in the Western Balkans, demonstrating that the path to the EU is a reality. The third is the European dimension, because it sends a message about the credibility and attractiveness of the European project. This is a process that goes beyond our borders, as it is important for both the region and Europe, and our membership will send the message that the European dream is alive. We believe Montenegro is ready because we are prepared to fulfil the remaining conditions. European integration lies at the heart of our history and our struggle for freedom - the struggle for a free Europe. Ever since I was elected President three years ago, I have clearly stated that membership by 2028 is our goal. I believe it is a realistic objective,” Milatović said.
Costa: We are considering new ideas to guide the enlargement process
European Council President António Costa stressed that last month the EU began drafting Montenegro’s Accession Treaty, marking the first time this has happened since 2013, which he described as highly significant.
"The EU is a community of values and an alliance of success and prosperity. We are considering new ideas to guide the enlargement process and further strengthen trust," Costa said, calling on all candidate countries to seize the current momentum and take all necessary steps to align themselves with EU policies.
"The EU is a community and a project that we are building together, and the accession of the Western Balkans remains one of our priorities. We are genuinely counting down the days until the next enlargement, with Montenegro becoming a member by 2028," Costa stated.
Speaking about the countries of the region and their progress, he recalled that last month the European Union began drafting an accession treaty with Montenegro and held an Intergovernmental Conference with Albania, thereby opening the next phase of the accession process.
Referring to Serbia, he said that the government had presented a concrete timetable for adopting the remaining elements of electoral legislation reform and completing judicial reform in line with the recommendations of ODIHR and the Venice Commission in the coming weeks.
"It is also very important that this week we are unlocking the process for opening the first negotiation cluster with Ukraine and Moldova. This demonstrates that reforms and the engagement of all social actors produce results and that the European Union remains committed to enlargement. These were my key messages during this week’s visits. I encouraged all partners to take advantage of the opportunity, the current momentum, and to undertake all necessary steps to accelerate their progress on the European path," Costa said.
Ursula von der Leyen also mentioned Serbia in her conclusions
Ursula von der Leyen stated that discussions had focused on how to further strengthen ties between the region and the European Union, emphasising that this is not merely a promise for the future but a strategic direction.
"The EU Growth Plan is extremely important. We are opening parts of the Single Market to companies from the region, giving them the opportunity to expand their businesses, while investment follows. SEPA has already been introduced in some countries of the region, and this is highly significant. If the entire region were included in the SEPA system, companies there would save around one billion euros. Another important issue is the abolition of roaming charges. This process is merit-based, meaning that reforms can be rewarded with tangible integration. This summit has been marked by determination and commitment - determination to bring the process to completion and commitment to a European future. I believe that the goal of Montenegro becoming an EU member by 2028 is achievable. Enlargement is about turning a dream into reality," von der Leyen said.
She emphasised that everyone is working towards the same goal and described the reforms implemented in Montenegro as impressive.
"Impressive reforms have been achieved, and we can only encourage you to continue so that by the end of this year you can close all chapters and clusters, draft the Accession Treaty and begin the ratification process. Of course, that will only be the beginning of full membership in the European Union," von der Leyen stated.
Responding to a question about Serbia’s EU accession process, she stressed that reforms must be implemented because they form the foundation of the entire process.
"If Serbia fulfils the conditions and makes progress, the European Commission will fulfil its obligations as well," von der Leyen said.
One of the most important regional gatherings
The European Union–Western Balkans Summit is one of the most important political forums for dialogue between the European Union and the countries of the region.
Bringing together heads of state and government, as well as the highest representatives of European institutions, the summit provides an opportunity to align common priorities and reaffirm the strategic partnership between the EU and the Western Balkans.
This year’s summit is taking place at a time of renewed interest in the enlargement policy, which has once again become an important item on the European agenda.
In the context of current geopolitical challenges, the gathering sends a message about the importance of a stable, secure and prosperous region as an integral part of the future European community.
Summit without a joint declaration
Unlike some previous summits, this year’s meeting in Tivat will not conclude with the adoption of a joint declaration.
European officials have indicated that the key political messages and priorities governing relations between the European Union and the Western Balkans continue to be based on positions already confirmed at the previous summit held in Brussels in December 2025.
(EUpravo zato)