Podgorica, (MINA) - Montenegro is making significant progress on its European path and stressed that it is extremely significant to maintain the same pace to join the European Union (EU) as an economically strong country, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said during a meeting with Prime Minister Milojko Spajic.

According to the press release from Spajic’s office, the two officials discussed in London Montenegro’s European integration and the results achieved by the 44th Government on its EU path.

“The meeting confirmed that Montenegro enjoys strong support from Germany, and that in the next phase of the EU accession process, Montenegrin presidency of the Berlin Process next year will be of particular importance”, the press release reads.

This, as emphasized during the meeting, will be crucial for the improvement of cooperation between the EU and the Western Balkans.

“Spajic presented an ambitious reform plan, which will enable Montenegro to close all negotiation chapters by the end of 2026, and join the EU two years later”, the press release states.

It is added that special emphasis was placed on deepening economic cooperation, strengthening investment connections and opening new opportunities for German investors in Montenegro, especially in the fields of energy, tourism and digital transformation.