Montenegro’s progress on the path towards the European Union (EU) must be stronger and faster, which is why it is necessary to accelerate further the pace of reforms in Chapters 23 and 24, which the Government recognises as a key and historic opportunity for the country to become the next member of the European community.
This was stated by the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko Spajić, in his opening remarks at the Rule of Law Forum 2025, organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, the Government of Montenegro, and the EUROL IV project.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the Government of Montenegro demonstrated its serious intent by obtaining the IBAR.
“This was proof that we are capable of achieving what was once considered unattainable in a short period of time. The IBAR was the result of our commitment, a measurable success. And that energy was not accidental; it has become our standard,” said Spajić.
According to him, the Government welcomed the final benchmarks for Chapters 23 and 24 with preparedness and responsibility.
“The Government has prepared and, in April 2025, adopted clear, operational action plans that precisely define who is responsible, what must be done, and within which deadline. These documents are not a formality—they are a compass guiding state institutions and will be implemented strictly,” Spajić emphasised.
He pointed out that the judiciary, the prosecution service, the police, the security sector, agencies, the NGO sector, as well as European partners, are the pillars of this process, noting that no reform can succeed without their unity, trust, and full accountability.
“It is clear—there is progress, but it must be stronger and faster. The recent European Commission Progress Report is encouraging; it showed that Montenegro is advancing, but it also indicates that the pace, especially in Chapters 23 and 24, must be accelerated. We take this message seriously and as a historic opportunity for Montenegro to become the next member of the European Union,” said Spajić.
He called on institutions to complete what has been started and for Montenegro to become a full member of the European Union.
“The closure of Chapters 23 and 24 will be a true indicator that Montenegro fully embraces European values, and today we are sending a message that we are working intensively on meeting all the final benchmarks in these areas,” Spajić stressed.
In a video address, the European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, stated that, despite the impressive progress already made on the path towards the EU, the consolidation of the rule of law and the fight against corruption and organised crime will continue to require significant effort.
“This, for example, involves adopting constitutional amendments to resolve issues related to the composition and decision-making of the Judicial Council and the Prosecutorial Council, then filling all high-level judicial vacancies, as well as building a solid track record in the fight against corruption—one that clearly shows that the Montenegrin system effectively prosecutes and adjudicates cases of corruption and organised crime, including high-level cases involving public officials,” said McGrath.
He highlighted two key issues: the importance of the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary, which constitute the essential foundations of the rule of law.
“This means that any inappropriate influence or interference in the work of the judiciary is an attack on the rule of law,” McGrath stressed.
The Forum represents a high-level platform bringing together state officials, representatives of key institutions, and representatives of the European Union to exchange views on crucial reform obligations in the area of the rule of law on Montenegro’s path towards EU membership.
Through several thematic panels, the discussions will focus on the obligations arising from Chapters 23 and 24, which relate to the rule of law within Montenegro’s EU accession negotiations, as well as on the dynamics and timelines for their implementation.