Šahmanović at the EPP meeting: Energy cooperation can become the strongest driver of European integration of the Western Balkans

Minister of Energy and Mining and International Secretary of the Bosniak Party, Admir Šahmanović, participated in a roundtable of the European People's Party (EPP) dedicated to the European future of the Western Balkans, where he said that the integration of the region into the European Union is a strategic interest not only of the candidate countries, but also of Europe itself, his department announced.

Addressing EPP representatives, European officials, ministers and parliamentarians from the region, Šahmanović emphasized that Montenegro remains the most reliable partner of the European Union in the Western Balkans and a country that, with its results, confirms that European integration is not just a political goal, but a development path that brings concrete benefits to citizens.

"Today, the question is no longer whether the Western Balkans belong to Europe. The question is how quickly Europe will complete its own unification. Enlargement is not just a political goal of the region, it is a strategic need for Europe," said Šahmanović.

Šahmanović placed a special emphasis in his presentation on energy security and green transition, assessing that energy can become one of the strongest drivers of the region's European integration.

In this context, he presented an initiative to form a Western Balkans Energy Partnership within the European People's Party family, which would bring together decision-makers, experts, investors and relevant institutions with the aim of accelerating the green transition and strengthening Europe's energy security.

"I firmly believe that energy cooperation can become one of the strongest pillars of our region's European integration. The Western Balkans should not be viewed only as an area preparing for membership. Our region can already make a significant contribution to European energy security, the development of renewable energy sources and the construction of a more resilient and competitive Europe. Therefore, it is time for stronger connections, joint projects and partnerships that will benefit both the region and the European Union," Šahmanović emphasized.

Speaking about the challenges of the energy transition, he particularly pointed out the importance of the fair application of the Carbon Cross-Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), emphasizing that candidate countries must have adequate support in order to successfully implement decarbonization, preserve the competitiveness of their economies, and continue to achieve economic development.

Šahmanović also referred to the recently held European Union - Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, assessing that the event represented a strong confirmation of Montenegro's European leadership in the process of accession to the European Union.

"It is no coincidence that European leaders gathered in Montenegro to discuss the future of enlargement. This is recognition of the results achieved by our country and confirmation that Montenegro is today the leader of European integration in the region. As the most advanced candidate country, we have shown that consistent reforms, responsible policies and a clear European vision can build the trust of European partners," said Šahmanović.

He emphasized that the summit in Tivat sent an important political message at a time when Europe is facing numerous security and geopolitical challenges.

"The message from Tivat is very concrete - enlargement is back on the European agenda. But equally important, the message was sent that the future of the Western Balkans and the future of the European Union can no longer be seen separately. Montenegro is ready to continue to lead this process and to show by its example that European values ​​can be translated into concrete results for citizens," he said.

Speaking about the role of the Bosniak Party in the European integration process, Šahmanović emphasized that the party will continue to be a strong supporter of Montenegro's European path.

"The Bosniak Party, as a responsible partner in government and a member of the European People's Party, will continue to be a reliable support for Montenegro's European path. Our membership in the EPP is not just a political affiliation, but a confirmation of the values ​​we live by and fight for, the European values ​​of dialogue, stability, development and togetherness. That is why we will continue to work dedicatedly on fulfilling the European agenda, convinced that Montenegro's membership in the European Union is the most important strategic goal of our generation," concluded Šahmanović.