President Jakov Milatović has positioned Montenegro not simply as another country in the enlargement queue, but as the European Union’s strongest potential proof that enlargement remains functional, credible and strategically meaningful. His message is clear: Montenegro is ready to move from candidate status to genuine accession contender, and its success could symbolically rekindle the EU’s enlargement momentum.
For years, Montenegro has been regarded as the most advanced Western Balkan candidate. Negotiation chapters were opened earlier than peers, structural reforms progressed comparatively faster, and public sentiment largely remained pro-European. Milatović argues that this foundation now needs to evolve into tangible closure of chapters, judiciary consolidation, stronger institutional capability and measurable rule-of-law outcomes.
He links Montenegro’s ambition with Europe’s broader geopolitical context. The EU is increasingly aware that a stable Western Balkans inside its institutional framework matters for strategic security, regional influence and economic predictability. At a time when enlargement fatigue has challenged political will, Montenegro offers Brussels an opportunity to demonstrate that credible candidates can succeed and that enlargement remains a tool of integration rather than rhetoric.
Milatović’s framing of Montenegro as the potential 28th member of the EU carries strong symbolic weight. Following Brexit, the EU has been perceived as shrinking in political appeal. The accession of a small, stable, pro-European state would send a signal that the union remains attractive, growing and strategically determined. It would also strengthen confidence among investors, offer policy predictability, and reinforce confidence that reform pays off.
Economically, EU membership would anchor Montenegro in Europe’s legal, financial and investment ecosystem. This could enhance investor comfort, improve access to funding, increase competitiveness and accelerate infrastructure and institutional development. For a small state, integration would also provide additional layers of financial security, regulatory coherence and long-term economic resilience.
However, Milatović remains realistic about outstanding work. Rule-of-law benchmarks, independence of institutions, credible anti-corruption enforcement and administrative functionality will all require discipline, continuity and depoliticisation. The EU has welcomed renewed momentum but expects delivery, not only promises. The president’s messaging suggests that Montenegro understands that this phase is about implementation rather than political declarations.
As regional politics remain unpredictable and European policy evolves, Montenegro’s ambition to transform from candidate to accession front-runner may define the next chapter of the Western Balkan integration story. If it succeeds, it will not only reshape its own future but help reopen Europe’s enlargement chapter with renewed credibility.
