Prime Minister Spajić meets with Speaker of the Parliament of Finland

Montenegro is in a leading position on its path towards EU accession, as demonstrated by the closure of negotiation chapters, receiving IBAR and an ambitious plan for the next two years, it was noted during the meeting between Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and a Finnish delegation led by Speaker of the Parliament, Jussi Halla-aho.

Prime Minister Spajić emphasised that the country has taken clear steps in strengthening the rule of law, which remains one of the Government's top priorities as a prerequisite for Montenegro's further development. Receiving IBAR, the Prime Minister stated, is a testament to the visible progress achieved.

As discussed during the meeting, EU enlargement must be based on meeting the criteria set by the European Union. It was also concluded that Montenegro's goal of becoming an EU member by 2028 is realistic.

One of the challenges highlighted was the potential outflow of labour force once Montenegro enters the EU's single market.

The geopolitical situation was also addressed during the meeting, with particular emphasis on the importance of Finland's NATO membership for the Alliance, both politically and militarily. It was noted that Montenegro, alongside Finland and other NATO allies, contributes to maintaining stability and security, especially in light of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. This situation has brought renewed momentum to European and Euro-Atlantic unity in defending fundamental civilizational values.

Speaker of the Finnish Parliament, Jussi Halla-aho, praised Montenegro's full alignment with the EU's foreign and security policy and stressed that the territorial integrity of all nations must be respected.