The agenda of Montenegro in the process of EU integration is both ambitious and realistic, and the closure of all negotiation chapters can be realized by 2026, as was stated after the meeting between the delegations of the Government of Montenegro and the European Union held in Budva. According to the official press release, DG NEAR Director, Gert Jan Koopman, conveyed to Prime Minister Spajic that the EU wants Montenegro to succeed.

Discussions were held on the new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, particularly focusing on Montenegro's Reform Agenda, which envisions a highly ambitious plan for economic reforms over the coming years, until the end of 2027. As Koopman stated to local media, the Growth Plan could stimulate economic growth in Montenegro, and based on it, the country could double its economy in the next decade, which will have a transformative role.

“In fact, it will bring Montenegro to the position of the current average of EU member states. It includes significant reforms in the areas of the business environment, rule of law, strengthening investments, and is accompanied by a highly ambitious Investment Strategy. We will provide significant financial support for it,” Koopman emphasized to local media.

He stated that following the IBAR, the Government and the Commission have agreed on how to structure further activities. “I believe we have reached a very operational plan for their implementation over the next few years. It has been 15 years since the last member state joined, and I must say that Montenegro is undoubtedly a frontrunner, and based on the ambition we have witnessed, we are confident that we can achieve great success in the coming months and years. This will also lead to transformation,” Koopman noted.

He emphasized that talks about the Growth Plan will also result in an Investment Conference next year, where important agreements could be signed, as investors will be interested in coming to Montenegro if these reforms are genuinely implemented.

“The Growth Plan, investments on one side, and the accession process on the other, will have a transformative significance for the country, and allow me to be very clear—it will be of immense benefit to the EU as the country progresses on its path to the EU,” Koopman said to local media.

According to the Government's statement, Prime Minister Milojko Spajic presented the reform processes and briefed the interlocutors on the details of the Fiscal Strategy, which will make Montenegro more competitive and a more desirable investment destination.

“We have a clear plan and we want visible results. With the European Union, as our most significant partner, our success is guaranteed,” Spajic stated. According to the Government, the meeting also discussed the challenges facing Montenegro and emphasized the need for stronger ties between the private and public sectors to strengthen the institutional system for more efficient support of the economy and overall development.

The meetings were attended by Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorcevic, Deputy Prime Minister Filip Ivanovic, and many other high-ranking officials, including Minister of Justice Bojan Bozovic.