In a press release following his meeting with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić in Budapest, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán highlighted the productive discussions covering both bilateral and broader European issues. This was Spajić’s inaugural official visit to Hungary, an occasion Orbán marked by expressing optimism for many such future engagements, given their shared vision for the region and Europe.

Orbán underscored the increasingly critical nature of EU enlargement, specifically involving the Western Balkans. He pointed to recent challenges faced by the EU, including waning global competitiveness, which he attributed in part to stalled enlargement efforts. Emphasizing the importance of adding ‘fresh impetus’ to the EU, Orbán acknowledged Montenegro’s strong track record in aligning with EU standards and indicated Hungary’s commitment to advancing Montenegro’s accession process. As part of Hungary’s upcoming EU presidency, the two leaders pledged to facilitate the closure of four negotiation chapters for Montenegro by December, marking a significant step toward the EU’s long-delayed expansion into the Western Balkans.

The leaders also addressed Hungary-Montenegro trade relations, which have been thriving, as well as Montenegro’s welcoming stance towards Hungarian investment. Orbán highlighted that Hungarian businesses are already deeply engaged in sectors like electricity and telecoms within Montenegro, and he encouraged further collaboration to mutually boost economic growth. Both prime ministers tasked their ministers with developing specific strategies to expand and deepen this partnership, affirming a long-term vision for sustainable cooperation.

The meeting reaffirmed a positive and forward-looking relationship between Hungary and Montenegro, as both nations anticipate new levels of economic and diplomatic alignment within Europe.

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