Slovenia has reaffirmed its strong support for Montenegro’s European Union membership ambitions, while the presidents of both countries agreed that outstanding disputes with Croatia should be resolved through dialogue rather than becoming obstacles to European integration.
Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović met with Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar in Ljubljana on November 1, discussing EU enlargement, regional cooperation, and relations among the former Yugoslav republics.
Following the meeting, Milatović welcomed Slovenia’s continued support for Montenegro’s goal of becoming the next member of the European Union.
Slovenia Supports Montenegro’s European Future
Milatović described Slovenia as a reliable partner whose experience with European integration could help Montenegro advance toward membership.
The two presidents discussed the challenges that bilateral disagreements can create during EU accession negotiations, particularly those involving neighboring countries.
They agreed that unresolved issues between Montenegro and Croatia should be addressed through diplomatic dialogue, international law, and good-neighborly relations.
According to Milatović, such disputes should not slow Montenegro’s progress toward joining the European Union.
The Montenegrin president pointed to Slovenia’s handling of its unresolved border dispute with Croatia as an example of regional cooperation.
He noted that Slovenia had not used the dispute to obstruct Croatia’s entry into the Schengen Area, despite the continuing disagreement.
The leaders also emphasized the importance of the 2001 Agreement on Succession Issues of the Former Yugoslavia, signed in Vienna.
The agreement provides a legal framework for addressing unresolved questions among the successor states, including matters involving movable property.
Montenegro Seeks to Become the EU’s Next Member
Montenegro has identified European Union membership as one of its central foreign policy objectives and is targeting accession in 2028.
Slovenia, which joined the EU in 2004, has consistently supported the European integration of Western Balkan countries.
The Ljubljana meeting followed Milatović’s visit to Croatia on October 31, where he attended the traditional Lučindan gathering of the Montenegrin community in Zagreb alongside Croatian President Zoran Milanović.
The event celebrated Montenegrin cultural identity and the longstanding connections between the two neighboring countries.
During his visit, Milatović emphasized the importance of mutual respect, regional cooperation, and maintaining strong relationships between communities across national borders.
His discussions in Zagreb and Ljubljana come as Montenegro continues efforts to advance its EU accession process while addressing outstanding bilateral questions.
Although Slovenia’s support represents an important diplomatic endorsement, Montenegro’s eventual membership will depend on completing accession requirements and securing agreement among EU member states.
