H.E. Mr. Christian Steiner, Ambassador of Austria to Montenegro
Montenegro Is a Frontrunner Among EU Candidates – Huge Opportunities for Investment and Cooperation
In an exclusive interview with Diplomacy & Commerce Montenegro, Austrian Ambassador Christian Steiner discusses the current state of bilateral relations, economic opportunities, tourism cooperation, green energy, and the priorities of Austria’s diplomatic mission in Podgorica. The Ambassador emphasises the solidarity and long-term partnership between Austria and Montenegro, particularly in the context of European integration, and encourages the business community to seize the new opportunities that EU accession will bring.
How would you evaluate the current state of bilateral relations between Austria and Montenegro? Which areas of cooperation have demonstrated the most progress in recent years?
The bilateral relations between Austria and Montenegro are excellent and based on close, multifaceted cooperation. Austria strongly supports Montenegro in its path to the European Union and promotes exchanges in numerous fields, including security, justice, and education. This cooperation operates at various levels from bilateral discussions to joint initiatives. Many official visits have occurred in recent years, and several high-level visits are scheduled for 2026. Austria is particularly looking forward to the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat on 5 June this year, as well as numerous high-level meetings organised by Montenegro as chair of the Berlin Process and the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe throughout 2026. A particularly positive example of the close friendship and Austria’s quick response was the immediate support provided last August when more than 50 Austrian firefighters arrived in Montenegro with firefighting equipment to assist their colleagues from Montenegro in extinguishing the severe wildfires. These aid measures highlight the solidarity, trust, and close partnership between the two countries especially in times of crises.
Many Austrian companies are thriving in sectors like banking, construction, and tourism in Montenegro. Which sectors do you think present the best opportunities for future collaboration?
Austria has been one of Montenegro’s most significant economic partners for many years and is among the top ten investors in the country. Austrian companies have a strong and varied presence in the Montenegrin market. They operate successfully in the finance, insurance, energy, and retail sectors, making a substantial contribution to the country’s economic growth and modernisation. At the same time, considerable potential remains for further investment by Austrian companies. Integration into the European single market will greatly improve the framework conditions for investors, making Montenegro even more appealing to foreign capital. The energy and infrastructure sectors, in particular, present substantial opportunities for future cooperation. There is a rising demand and strong interest from Austrian companies, especially in the renewable energy sector. Infrastructure projects also offer a wide array of opportunities for long-term partnerships and investments.
Montenegro continues its journey towards joining the European Union. How does Austria perceive Montenegro’s progress in the accession process, and what support can be anticipated in the near future?
Austria views Montenegro’s EU accession process very positively. We consider Montenegro as a frontrunner among the candidate countries. Austria hopes that Montenegro can conclude EU accession negotiations by the end of this year. Austria has long supported Montenegro and other Western Balkans countries actively on their path to the European Union. We do so alongside other like-minded EU member states. To this end, we established the “Friends of the Western Balkans” group. It offers political backing for the EU integration efforts of the Western Balkan region and works on ideas to deliver more tangible benefits to local people. The concept of “gradual integration” includes practical measures that enable the people of Montenegro to benefit even before EU membership. We welcome that Montenegro joined the Single European Payments Area (SEPA) last year, significantly reducing bank transfer fees to and from EU countries. We also support Montenegro’s inclusion in the “roam like at home” scheme this year, which would eliminate roaming charges for mobile calls to and from the EU.
Economic diplomacy has become an increasingly important aspect of international relations. In what ways does the Austrian Embassy support business cooperation between the two countries?
Economic diplomacy is a vital part of Austria’s foreign policy. During high-level visits, meetings with business representatives are a key element of the programme, as was the case during the visit of the Austrian Foreign Minister, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, to Montenegro in July 2025. During his visit to Montenegro in August 2025, Austrian Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker signed the “Political declaration of intent on deepening Austrian-Montenegrin economic collaboration through structured dialogue and joint initiatives” with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić. The Austrian Embassy Podgorica actively and consistently supports Austrian companies operating in Montenegro. Last year, we organised a meeting between subsidiaries of Austrian firms and Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and his team. The gathering facilitated an excellent exchange of ideas on how to strengthen our economic cooperation and further enhance the business environment.
Tourism is a significant bridge between our two countries. How do you see the potential for strengthening tourism exchange between Austria and Montenegro?
Tourism acts as a vital link between Austria and Montenegro and holds great potential for further enhancing mutual ties. Montenegro is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Austrian visitors. The number of tourists has grown substantially since 2019 from approximately 35,000 to about 48,000 annually. The good flight connections between Montenegro and Austria certainly support this, making travel simpler and more appealing. Montenegro stands out for its remarkable beauty featuring an impressive coastline, diverse mountain scenery, and a rich cultural heritage. Notably, many cultural monuments, some in the Bay of Kotor dating back to the Austro-Hungarian era, highlight the historical ties between the two countries.
Austria is recognised for its strong commitment to sustainability and innovation. Are there opportunities for collaboration with Montenegro in fields such as green energy, sustainable development, and digital transformation?
There is undoubtedly significant potential for collaboration in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and digital transformation. Austria is indeed recognised as one of the leading players in these sectors, distinguished by its strong commitment and innovative approaches. From your perspective as Ambassador, what are the main priorities of your diplomatic mission in Montenegro in the coming years? Nearly everything we do in Montenegro is linked to the country’s EU accession process. Over the past thirty years, I have held various roles relating to EU issues, including several concerning EU enlargement. As a result, I am well placed to support Montenegro on its EU accession journey. I am pleased to be present during an important and dynamic period as Montenegro diligently works to adopt and implement the necessary reforms. The aim is to gradually close each chapter and, hopefully, complete the EU accession negotiations before the end of this year.
Cultural diplomacy frequently plays a crucial role in enhancing bilateral relations. What initiatives or projects could further link the people of Austria and Montenegro?
We view culture as a vital link to strengthen people-to-people contacts between our nations. For many years, Austrian artists have taken part in the Kotor Art Festival. I was personally very pleased to attend last year’s opening of this esteemed festival, which was dedicated to the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss, the “King of Waltz”. Besides music, we also organise events on literature and theatre. One of the most well-known writers in the German-speaking world, the Austrian Robert Menasse, came to Montenegro and engaged in an inspiring discussion on EU-related topics based on his novel “The Enlargement”. This year, on the joyful occasion of the 80th birthday of the Austrian Nobel laureate in Literature, Elfriede Jelinek, we plan to present a performance of her play “Shadow. Eurydice says”. We hope that such initiatives will make a lasting contribution to bringing the people of both countries closer together.
Finally, what message would you like to convey to the business community and readers of Diplomacy & Commerce Montenegro?
Montenegro is a country in transition, and many new opportunities will arise, particularly through access to the single market following EU accession. EU membership could significantly increase access to EU funds. Montenegro should actively seize this opportunity. At the same time, further opportunities for cooperation in business, innovation, and sustainable development will emerge. I encourage the business community and readers of Diplomacy & Commerce Montenegro to closely monitor these developments and participate actively so that we can all benefit from the opportunities that this dynamic period presents.