Podgorica, Brisel, (MINA-BUSINESS) – Prime Minister Milojko Spajic has said that Montenegro is ready to achieve the goals outlined in the Growth Plan and successfully complete the final phase of negotiations to become the next member of the European Union (EU).

He attended a working luncheon in Brussels organized by the President of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen, for the Western Balkan leaders.

“The fact that the meeting was organized at the very beginning of von der Leyen’s new term of office clearly shows that the enlargement policy remains at the top of the agenda,” stated the press release, adding that this was also communicated by the EC President after the meeting, in her message that the countries of the region belonged in the EU and that she would pay particular attention to that matter.

The Growth Plan, based on financial support contingent on fulfilling reforms, provides the countries of the Western Balkans with a fund of six billion euro, but an even greater benefit is access to the single European market.

“We had a very friendly meeting with von der Leyen and the leaders of the Western Balkans. There is no competition here, but it was emphasized that Montenegro had made significant progress and could serve as an example for all,” said Spajic.

According to him, Reform Agenda will be of utmost importance for us in the upcoming period, as the main goal of the Growth Plan aligns perfectly with our efforts to improve the standard of living for our citizens,” Spajic said after the meeting.

He added that the economic growth of Montenegro and other countries in the region should be doubled thanks to this EC instrument, which will accelerate the economic convergence of the Western Balkans and bring them closer to the EU countries, and most importantly—improve the standard and quality of life for citizens.