EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Josep Borrell and Neighborhood Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi have said in their comment on Montenegro's presidential polls that the EU is ready to continue supporting Montenegro on its way to EU membership, emphasising the importance of political stability.

In their joint message of congratulations to the newly elected Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic, they stated that the European Union looks forward to cooperation with all political actors in order to help Montenegro stay firmly on its strategic European path.

” The EU congratulates Jakov Milatovic on his election as new President and looks forward to working with all political stakeholders to help Montenegro stay firmly on the EU strategic path.”

“Building consensus on priority actions that are key to the country's EU accession progress, focusing on the urgent rule of law reforms outlined by the European Commission in the latest Enlargement report are crucial. We stand ready to continue to support Montenegro in moving towards EU membership. Political stability is critical for advancing on the path towards the EU, a process that delivers benefits for both Montenegro and Europe as a whole, reads Borrell and Varhelyi.

European officials stated that the joint observation mission of the OSCE, the European Parliament and the Council of Europe determined that the elections took place with respect for basic freedoms, but that the electoral legislation needs to be amended.