The support of the European Union (EU) to Montenegro is a contribution to overall European stability and an encouragement to the Western Balkans to continue reforms, it was assessed at the meeting of chief negotiator Aleksandar Drljević with the German Minister of State for Europe, Michael Roth.
As reported by the Main Secretariat of the Government, Drljević informed Rota about the status of the negotiations, stressing that Montenegro expects the opening of Chapter 27 in December, as well as the intensification of talks on the opening of Chapter 8 - Competition.
The interlocutors agree that progress in Chapters 23 and 24 is crucial in Montenegro's accession to the EU, and that it is important to continue with good results in the area of the rule of law.
"Accession negotiations are the best mechanism for building the state's capacity and adopting European standards, in order to provide our citizens with a better quality of life," said Drljević.
On the other hand, he added, supporting Montenegro means strengthening the idea of the European perspective of the Western Balkans and contributing to overall European stability, and thus encouraging other countries in the region to continue reforms and move closer to the EU.
According to Roth, the European Union needs good news from the Western Balkans, and Montenegro is an example of a positive story.
He said that the EU enlargement policy is one of the most successful, stressing the importance of the upcoming elections for the European Parliament.
"We hope that the new structure of the European Parliament will be equally committed to the policy of enlargement and strengthening cooperation with the Western Balkan region. "Montenegro can count on the support of Germany in the implementation of all the reforms that will lead it to the EU," Roth said.
In Berlin, Drljević participated in the annual working group of Southeast Europe, whose theme this year is "Reviewing the EU Enlargement Strategy and its impact on the reform processes in the Western Balkans".
He said that the biggest burden of reforms is on the countries of the Western Balkans, and pointed out that EU support is very important, especially considering the challenges the Union is facing.
"When it comes to joining the EU, it is particularly important for Montenegro to respect the principle of advancement in accordance with individual results and merits," said Drljević.
On the other hand, as he said, Montenegro is very committed to developing good neighborly relations, regional stability and mutual cooperation, which are very important for the integration of Montenegro and the Western Balkans in the EU, but also for the strengthening of Europe.
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