Germany backs Montenegro’s push to join the European Union

Germany has expressed support for Montenegro’s bid to join the European Union, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul saying the country’s ambition is being heard in Brussels and across European capitals. Wadephul made the comments during a visit to Montenegro, where he attended an annual meeting of European foreign ministers linked to the Berlin Process. The meeting took place in the coastal city of Budva and was also attended by EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos.

Wadephul said Montenegro had made “remarkable progress” towards EU membership and described it as an example for the Western Balkans. He also said countries that were willing and able to meet the bloc’s criteria could succeed in joining in the coming years. Montenegrin Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimovic hosted the meeting.

In a post on X, Wadephul said participants had agreed to promote regional cooperation, reconciliation and reforms. Montenegro is regarded as the frontrunner among the Western Balkan countries seeking EU membership. The region’s candidates include Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia, while Kosovo is a potential candidate.

Montenegro has pursued membership for 22 years. The country adopted the euro as its de facto currency in 2002, became independent from its union with Serbia in 2006 and joined NATO in 2017. Support for EU accession is reported at about 80%, and the government is aiming to join the bloc by 2028.

Progress on economic and democratic reforms has led the EU enlargement commissioner to raise the possibility of completing technical negotiations by the end of the year. That has made the 2028 target appear achievable, although membership depends on meeting the EU’s requirements.