We envision Montenegro in 2028 as a stable member of the European Union, with efficient institutions and a competitive business environment. This will bring increased investment, improved infrastructure, digital transformation, and a stronger regional and international position, said Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Policy and Minister of Economic Development Nik Gjeloshaj during his address at the ACE 2025 Best Practice Sharing Conference, organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Montenegro in Kotor.

Speaking at the Gala Dinner and the panel discussion "Montenegro on its Path to EU", Gjeloshaj emphasized that once Montenegro becomes part of the European Union, it will be a destination where investors can rely on security and professional administration, while citizens will experience tangible benefits through economic growth and employment opportunities.

Over the three days of the ACE 2025 Best Practice Sharing Conference, Montenegro is hosting representatives of 30 American Chambers of Commerce from Europe and Eurasia, as well as executive directors and leaders of some of the most influential international business communities.

Ajša Vodnik, Chair of AmChams in Europe (ACE), stated that presiding over an organization connecting 49 AmChams from 47 countries is both an honor and a responsibility.

Conferences like this are a valuable opportunity to build stronger relationships for a better Europe and to further strengthen transatlantic ties. We are particularly pleased to be in Montenegro, where we support the country's aspirations to join the European Union, said Vodnik.

Sanja Ćalasan, President of the Board of Directors of AmCham Montenegro, underlined that European integration is not only a political aspiration but also an economic pathway - one that requires investment, innovation, and trust.

That is where American Chambers of Commerce play a unique role. Across the continent, they serve as bridges between governments and businesses, between Europe and the United States, between investors and opportunities. AmCham Montenegro proudly stands as such a bridge. Our mission is to support a stable and open economy, attract foreign investment, and provide a platform where dialogue turns into action. As our slogan says, we are committed to creating opportunities and shaping an environment in which investors can be confident that Montenegro is not only a beautiful country to visit but also a promising one in which to build and grow. Tonight's Gala Dinner is more than a celebration - it is a message. A message that Montenegro is ready to become part of the European family, committed to strengthening transatlantic ties, and appreciative of the trust and contribution of the international business community, Ćalasan stated.

Marko Miročević, Executive Director of AmCham Montenegro, noted that Montenegro's readiness for EU membership is measured precisely by its ability to create opportunities, adding that the 2023/2024 Business Climate Report sends encouraging signals.

According to the report, 83% of our members expect growth and view alignment with European standards as a path toward more predictable rules, a more efficient administration, suppression of the grey economy, and accelerated digital transformation. This optimism is closely linked to the EU accession process, which is now closer than ever. By adopting EU standards, our members believe we will address or significantly reduce key obstacles that still prevent us from fully realizing the country's potential - such as the need for stronger rule of law and legal certainty, greater public administration efficiency, tackling the grey economy, and achieving digital transformation of the economy, Miročević said.

In his closing remarks, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development Nik Gjeloshaj stated that Montenegro will continue to actively work on strategic positioning in key development sectors in order to attract investment, stimulate economic growth, and ensure long-term sustainable development.

We are intensively preparing for the provisional closing of Chapters 3 and 6 in negotiations with the European Union, as we believe these are key chapters for creating a predictable and efficient business environment and for strengthening legal certainty for both investors and citizens, Gjeloshaj concluded.

The ACE 2025 Best Practice Sharing Conference is held under the auspices of the AmChams in Europe, the umbrella organization bringing together 49 AmChams in 47 countries across Europe and Eurasia, representing the interests of over 17,000 American and European companies and employing more than 20 million people.