Published: June 30, 2026, 14:40 GMT+2 (updated 14:46)
Montenegro’s ruling Europe Now! (Pokret Evropa sad!) party has taken a decisive step toward deeper European integration by becoming an observer member of the European People’s Party (EPP).
The EPP’s Political Assembly approved the move earlier this month, and party President Manfred Weber welcomed the accession, posting on social media: “A larger EPP family means a stronger future.”
Observer status grants Montenegro access to EPP policy forums, networking opportunities, and institutional support.
Weber also thanked Montenegro’s Prime Minister and Europe Now! leader Milojko Spajić, stating, “For your leadership and commitment to Montenegro’s EU path. United by shared values, we build a Europe that puts people first.”
The EPP remains the largest political group in the European Union, encompassing parties such as Germany’s Christian Democratic Union, Spain’s People’s Party, Poland’s Civic Platform, and Greece’s New Democracy.
For Montenegro, this affiliation reinforces its ambition to lead among Western Balkan nations seeking EU membership.
Observer Status Explained
EPP affiliation includes several tiers, reflecting the degree of integration and whether the represented country is an EU member. Observer status is distinct from full or associate membership; it allows parties to attend congresses, assemblies, and debates but without voting rights.
Montenegro’s EU Aspirations
Montenegro has accelerated its EU accession process, with the bloc initiating treaty drafting in April 2026 after member states voted to advance the candidate.
This development marks a pivotal stage, and President Jakov Milatović informed the European Parliament that Montenegro aims to join the EU by 2028. At a Joint Consultative Committee meeting on April 24 in Podgorica, Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević noted that closing negotiation chapters and drafting the accession pact represent the “final lap of a fourteen-year marathon toward EU membership.”