Predrag Zenović views EU enlargement as an investment in European security

Predrag Zenović, Montenegro’s chief negotiator for EU integration, stated during a regional meeting in Skopje that EU enlargement should be viewed as an investment in the Union rather than merely a cost. He emphasized that the Western Balkans will eventually contribute to European security, economic growth, connectivity, and resilience, rather than acting solely as recipients of financial aid.

Zenović highlighted Montenegro’s specific contributions to border management, migration control, energy security, transport connectivity, and digital transformation. Regarding the EU’s future Multiannual Financial Framework, he argued that the framework must serve as a powerful tool for socio-economic convergence between candidate countries and existing members, making the enlargement process faster and more tangible for citizens.

He noted that Montenegro is already seeing results through its Reform Agenda and performance-based funding models, having met key agreed-upon milestones. Zenović also stressed the importance of aligning national legislation with the EU legal acquis as a central element of Montenegro’s accession process.