Montenegro President Milatović says his country can spark a geopolitical restart of the EU

Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović authored an essay titled “Above geopolitical calculations: Vision and statesmanship of Montenegro” published in the German journal Die Politische Meinung, a period of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. In the piece he argued that small states with a clear vision, knowledge and diplomatic skill can exert disproportionate influence on world affairs.

Milatović claimed that Montenegro’s forthcoming accession to the European Union – expected by 2028 as the bloc’s 28th member – could trigger a geopolitical restart of the EU. He outlined three pillars of Montenegro’s national strategy: EU membership, NATO membership (since 2017) and good neighbourly relations across the Balkans. He cited Ireland, Cyprus and Estonia as examples of small states that have leveraged digitalisation, innovation and investment to boost their standing in Europe. Historical references included Montenegro’s recognition at the 1878 Berlin Congress and the 150‑year anniversary of that event.

The president’s remarks were made in the context of the journal’s 70‑year anniversary issue, which also featured German Chancellor Friedrich Merkel discussing Germany’s role in a multipolar world.