At the press conference of the President of the European Council, Antonija Košta, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, after the Summit in Tivat, it was announced that Montenegro’s determination and dedication to the accession process was recognized, and that its entry by 2028 is possible and realistic.
Milatović emphasized that Montenegro is bringing Europe closer together today and that this is a powerful message.
“We showed great maturity and sent a message that Montenegro is part of Europe. The summit showed that the enlargement policy is important and that it is a strategic investment. Montenegro’s European path has had various phases – periods of success and unfortunately periods of stagnation, but from 2023, Montenegro’s goal is for the country to become part of the Union by 2028, which has become a national project. I believe with full conviction that this goal is realistic and achievable,” emphasized Milatović.
As he said, there are three important dimensions – the first membership, which would be a triumph of the new political culture and management, a sign of the success of public administration and a confirmation of the success of long-term reforms.
“The second dimension is regional, because Montenegro wants to be an encouragement and an example to others in the Western Balkans that the EU is the path to reality. The third is the European dimension, because this is how the message of the credibility and attractiveness of the European project is sent. This is a process that goes beyond our borders, because it is important for the region and Europe, and our membership will send the message that the European dream is alive. We think that Montenegro is ready, because we are ready to fulfill the remaining conditions. European integration is at the core of our history and the struggle for Freedom. Since I was elected president three years ago, I have clearly said that the goal is membership in 2028,” said Milatović.
He thanked Košta and Von der Leyen, but also all the leaders who came to the summit, because, as he said, they sent a strong message of European unity.
Košta emphasized that last month the EU started writing the Treaty on the Accession of Montenegro and it is the first time that this has happened since 2013, which is very important.
“The EU is a community of values and an alliance of success and prosperity. We are considering new ideas to guide the enlargement process and further strengthen trust,” said Košta and called on all candidates to take advantage of the moment and take all steps to align with EU policy.
“The EU is a community and a project on which we all work together, and the accession of this region of the Western Balkans remains our priority. The Western Balkans can count on our continuous support. The region is part of Europe and I think that a strong message was sent today in this sense,” said Košta.
Von der Leyen pointed out that today they considered how to strengthen the ties between the region and the EU, and that, as she said, is not only a promise for the future but a strategic direction.
“The EU growth plan is very important, we are opening a part of the common market for companies from the region and they have the opportunity to expand their business, and with that comes investments. SEPA has already been introduced in some countries of the region, and that is important. If the entire region was included in SEPA, it would save local companies around one billion euros. Another issue is the abolition of roaming. This is a merit-based process, which means that we can reward reforms with concrete integration. This summit was marked by determination and commitment. The determination to bring the process to an end, and the commitment to the European future. I think that the goal of Montenegro being part of the EU in 2028 is about how to turn the dream into reality,” said Von der Leyen.
She pointed out that everyone is focused on the same goal, and that the reforms made in Montenegro are impressive, according to RTCG.
