Ursula von der Leyen Urges Europe to Invest in Montenegro “Now, Not After Accession”
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In Tivat, Montenegro, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on European investors to seize the moment and invest in Montenegro before the country joins the European Union. Speaking at the opening of the “Smart Growth, Green Future: Accelerating Investment in Montenegro” conference, von der Leyen praised Montenegro’s rapid reforms, its adoption of the euro, and recent integration into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) — a milestone she described as “a big step forward.”
Von der Leyen highlighted the benefits of SEPA with a real-life example: a transfer that previously took days and cost €50 now takes minutes and has zero fees. “That is SEPA — a huge advantage for the business sector,” she declared.
Addressing Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and assembled European and local business leaders, von der Leyen emphasized that Montenegro is “at the heart of our continent” and strategically located between Central, Southern, Eastern, and Western Europe. She described the country as home to a “dynamic and talented population,” underlining its economic potential and reform drive.
The Commission President announced 14 new projects backed by the European Union and European investors, spanning clean energy, transport, and technology. These include floating solar farms, high-altitude wind power, Montenegro’s first battery storage facilities, and the first zero-carbon port on the Adriatic at Bar. She also praised plans for Montenegro’s first innovation campus, projected to create thousands of new jobs.
Von der Leyen said these projects represent “millions of euros of cutting-edge investment” and are “a real vote of confidence in Montenegro.” She stressed that they will not only diversify the economy beyond tourism but also encourage members of the Montenegrin diaspora to return home.
She lauded Montenegro’s progress in judicial and electoral reforms, including political financing transparency and modernization of the court system. However, she underscored that “the months and years ahead will be even more consequential,” urging continued reforms in the rule of law and public procurement transparency.
Von der Leyen concluded with a powerful message to European business: “Do not delay. The time for investment is now. There are incredible opportunities here and a wealth of potential.” Her closing line — “Long live Europe” — drew warm applause from the audience, symbolizing the EU’s growing engagement with the Western Balkans.
The visit is part of von der Leyen’s Western Balkans tour, underscoring the European Commission’s commitment to accelerating integration and investment across the region.
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