Montenegro committed to strengthening collective defence, modernising defence capabilities

Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Defence, the Fight against Crime and Internal Policy Aleksa Bečić and Minister of Defence Dragan Krapović hosted earlier today Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Alexus Gregory Grynkewich.

The meeting focused on the current security situation, Montenegro's contribution to the Alliance's collective security, and expectations ahead of the NATO Summit, which will betake place in Ankara on 7-8 July.

DPM Bečić stated that General Grynkewich's visit, only a few weeks after NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's visit to Montenegro, testifies to a strong confirmation of the continuous support Montenegro enjoys from its Allies and their commitment to the stability and progress of the Western Balkans.

This visit comes at an important moment, just ahead of the Ankara Summit and confirms that Montenegro remains a reliable and credible Ally, committed to our shared values and to strengthening collective security, the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Speaking about domestic situation, Bečić stressed that political stability is one of the defining features of the 44th Cabinet and of the historic reforms and achievements it has delivered. He underlined that the current Cabinet includes both civic and national political parties representing different ethnic communities in Montenegro, thus sending a strong message that dialogue, cooperation and the common interest are the best response to current challenges and serve as an example for the region.

He emphasised that Montenegro's foreign policy rests on three firm pillars: credible membership in the North Atlantic Alliance, a strong commitment to regional stability, and accelerated European integration, with a view to becoming the 28th member of the European Union by 2028, a goal that is drawing closer every day.

Montenegro is fully aligned with Alliance policies, responsibly fulfils its Allied commitments by increasing defence spending and actively participating in missions. We are witnessing historic investments in the defence sector, modernisation of the Armed Forces of Montenegro and the strengthening of their capabilities. The increase in defence spending, which is rightly being encouraged, is in fact an investment in our own resources, capabilities and country, thereby strengthening the Alliance while enhancing security and stability, Bečić noted.

He also highlighted the importance of the Western Balkans for Europe's overall security, stressing that Montenegro seeks to remain a factor of connectivity, cooperation and stability in the region.

This year, we successfully organised the largest event in our recent history-the EU-Western Balkans Leaders' Summit-and are successfully chairing the Berlin Process. Next year, Montenegro will host several major Euro-Atlantic events, including its chairmanship of the U.S.-Adriatic Charter (A5) and the Conference of NATO Chiefs of Defence. Nowadays, Montenegro is a bright example, a positive success story and a reliable Ally that continues firmly along the path of reforms, stability, stronger institutions and a secure European and Euro-Atlantic future," DPM Bečić concluded.

Minister of Defence Dragan Krapović stated that the complex geopolitical environment and contemporary security challenges require the continuous strengthening of the collective defence system. He underlined the important role of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe in further enhancing the Alliance's military capabilities.

Krapović spoke about Montenegro's contribution to implementing the Alliance's policies, as well as the country's key priorities in developing and modernising its national defence capabilities. He stressed that Montenegro has taken a responsible approach to implementing the decisions adopted at the Hague Summit on increasing defence expenditure, noting that defence spending reached 2.05% of GDP in 2025, while it is projected to increase to between 2.2% and 2.3% of GDP in 2026.

Minister Krapović concluded by thanking General Grynkewich for NATO's continued commitment to the Western Balkans, emphasising that it is of crucial importance for the region to remain a priority for both NATO and the European Union in order to preserve the stability and prosperity of Europe as a whole.

General Grynkewich stated that the Alliance values Montenegro's contribution to credible deterrence and collective defence, particularly through the participation of members of the Armed Forces of Montenegro in NATO missions, operations, and activities. He stressed that the Western Balkans remain a region of strategic importance for NATO and that the Alliance will continue to monitor security developments in the region with particular attention.

Both sides agreed that Allied nations have demonstrated a high level of responsibility in strengthening the collective security system and that it is essential to continue enhancing Allied capabilities to ensure credible deterrence and defence. They concluded that the NATO Summit in Ankara should send a clear message of a stronger, fairer and more united Euro-Atlantic Alliance, with greater responsibility assumed by the European Allies and Canada for the security of the continent.