European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Montenegro is “a pioneer in the EU accession process” and could become the 28th EU member by 2028 if it stays focused and united. Speaking in Tivat during her Western Balkans tour, von der Leyen praised Montenegro for aligning with EU foreign policy and sending troops to support Ukraine’s training mission. Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic said the country aims to complete all accession chapters by the end of next year. Von der Leyen will continue her tour with visits to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia.