European Commission President Emphasizes Readiness for New Members and Announces Upcoming Proposals

Speaking at a joint press conference with Montenegro's Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the union must be ready to accept new members and announced that new proposals regarding the enlargement policy will be unveiled next week.

New Proposals in the Enlargement Process

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the union must be ready to welcome new members, announcing that new proposals regarding the enlargement policy will be presented next week within this scope.

Montenegro's Position in Reforms

Speaking at a joint press conference with Montenegro's Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, von der Leyen noted that the country has implemented more than 90 percent of the necessary reforms for EU membership and holds a leading position in the region in this regard.

Western Balkans Investments and SEPA

Stating that 89 million euros have been invested in Montenegro under the Growth Plan prepared by the EU for the Western Balkans, von der Leyen expressed that companies have gained significant advantages with the country's participation in the Single Euro Payments Area.

Roaming Zone and Two-Way Process

Stating that Montenegro will be included in the roaming zone, von der Leyen drew attention to the fact that enlargement is a two-way process, emphasizing that the EU must be as ready to welcome these countries as the candidate countries are to join.

Roadmaps and Concrete Steps

Expressing that the package to be announced next week will include roadmaps for advanced candidate countries, von der Leyen noted that these roadmaps will turn the membership process into concrete steps and determine what needs to be done.

Montenegro's 2028 Target

Montenegro's Prime Minister Milojko Spajic stated that his country has entered the final stretch in the EU accession process, expressing their goal to become the union's 28th member by 2028.