Podgorica, (MINA) – Closing the EU negotiation chapters is an absolute state priority backed by full political and institutional commitment, Prime Minister Milojko Spajic said at a meeting with the delegation of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET).

According to the press release from his office, Spajic noted that 2026 is the year in which Montenegro celebrates 20th anniversary of its independence and presides over the Berlin Process and the Western Balkans Fund.

“This year is monumental especially as we plan to close all negotiation chapters by December. It is an extremely ambitious, very demanding and by no means easy task, probably unprecedented”, Spajic said.

According to the press release, he said that Montenegro expects the political support from all 27 EU member states.

Spajic remarked that national administration is focused on implementing reforms and meeting the final benchmarks in all areas of the negotiation process.

“The interlocutors were informed that all national administrative, professional and political capacities are fully focused on the implementation of the European agenda, with clearly defined deadlines and measurable results, and that European integration remains a strategic goal of state policy”, the press release said.

Spajic’s office said that during the meeting, the pace of reform implementation was also presented, with a special focus on fulfilling obligations in the areas of ​​the rule of law, the functioning of institutions and the harmonization of legislation with the EU acquis.

“It was emphasized that our country’s foreign and security policy is fully aligned with the EU policy”, the press release states.

The meeting participants also emphasized full commitment, cooperation and operational coordination between the executive and legislative branches in order to successfully complete the negotiation process.