Montenegro’s President Advocates EU Membership at Sciences Po

During a recent visit to France, Jakov Milatović, the President of Montenegro, delivered a lecture at the prestigious Sciences Po in Paris, an institution known for nurturing numerous global leaders, including six French presidents. His talk, titled “The European Integration Process: The Story of Montenegro,” outlined his vision for a modern, determined, and European Montenegro, emphasizing the country’s aspiration to become the 28th member of the European Union by 2028.

Milatović stated, “Montenegro is today the most advanced candidate for EU membership, determined to conclude negotiations by 2026 and earn its rightful place in the family of European nations two years later.” He underscored that the European path for Montenegro is not only a political goal but also a national project for a new generation, uniting society around shared values of stability, knowledge, and progress.

As a member of NATO that uses the euro and aligns fully with the EU’s common foreign and security policy, Montenegro demonstrates significant potential to exert a substantial European influence. “Our country proves it can have a major European impact when it has a clear vision and the courage to implement it. European reforms are the pathway to development, modernization, and the creation of a society of equal opportunities,” Milatović remarked.

The President introduced four potential scenarios for the future expansion of the EU, arguing that the best outcome would be one where both the Union and its candidates deliver tangible results. He placed special emphasis on the youth and the importance of education, stating, “For young people, the European Union represents opportunities, knowledge, and standards. That is why we have launched the EU Academy, a bridge between youth and European institutions, through which they will learn, create, and lead change. The European Montenegro starts with them.”

Milatović concluded that the construction of a European Montenegro does not solely take place in Brussels but happens daily at home, through the knowledge, work, and ideas of those who believe in the future of the country. His lecture at Sciences Po garnered significant interest from both students and professors, affirming that Montenegro’s voice is increasingly resonating in European discussions regarding the continent’s future.