The task of the Western Balkans is to jointly emphasize the importance of the presence of the European Union in this area, remind that we are part of Europe and show that it wants to share the same democratic principles and values. We owe the citizens of Montenegro the European Union, especially considering the fact that almost 80 percent of them support our membership - Minister of Foreign Affairs Đorđe Radulović said at the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna.
Radulović, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, gave a lecture on the topic: "Western Balkans - A stumbling block or part of the mosaic that is missing from the EU?"
In one of the oldest European institutions, dedicated to the training of diplomats, the minister presented to the students, through five thematic units, why EU accession is the goal of Montenegro, then the steps towards achieving that priority, the biggest challenges, expectations and reasons why the Western Balkans are needed by the European Union.
Quoting Jean-Paul Sartre with the words "Perhaps there will be better times, but this is ours", the head of Montenegrin diplomacy said that, although Montenegro is aware of the various challenges facing the EU, as well as the fact that the enlargement policy is not always at the top of the agenda, because the members, above all, need to strengthen the position of the Union through mutual relations and joint decisions, but we must now do everything from our side and show that we belong to Europe.
"The European Union, as we know it today, with its 27 member states and a very specific decision-making system, not only adapts to changes, but also continuously develops and strengthens its spheres of influence on a global level. I believe you are clear that the EU, over time, from its since its establishment, constantly attracted other European countries to join it," Radulović said, adding that Montenegro is determined to give its heritage western values, because for our country it is a path that has no alternative.
In light of the adoption of the new approach methodology, he said that the rule of law and the fight against corruption are at the core of our negotiation process. The minister said that the number of challenges in the negotiation process depends on the results in the area of the rule of law.
"If you create independent institutions, if you successfully fight corruption and organized crime, if you have freedom of the media, then the challenges will decrease. After that, the focus will be economic recovery and justice, not divisions. Our goal is to persist in that road and show the member states that are skeptical about the enlargement, that our geostrategic orientation is clear and that we do not want to be part of the Union only declaratively", said Radulović, adding that a good argument for this is Montenegro's XNUMX% compliance with the Joint Foreign and Security EU policy.
"Consequently, I believe that the participation of the countries of the Western Balkans is of vital importance in the work of the Conference on the Future of Europe, because our strategy must be heard. We are not a stumbling block, but a part of the mosaic that is missing from the EU," he added.
When it comes to the year of accession to the Union, the head of Montenegrin diplomacy said that the essence is reflected in the process, not the destination, and that a functional state should be created with the rule of law, free market competition, a sustainable economy, an independent judiciary, and Montenegro will be under under the auspices of the EU.
Radulović said that the EU and the Western Balkans share responsibility for building a peaceful, prosperous and united Europe.
"Investing in the stability and prosperity of the region is actually investing in the security and future of the European Union, i.e. Europe as a whole. Closer cooperation is in our common interest, because it is the only way to provide citizens with economic and social benefits and security," said the head of the Montenegrin diplomacy.
He assessed that the enlargement policy is still alive, and that it is undergoing changes depending on the moment in which it is being negotiated.
"As far as Montenegro is concerned, we marked reform activities in the area of the rule of law as an absolute priority, not only in the context of further progress in the accession negotiations, but also when it comes to the overall progress of Montenegrin society as a whole. Better living standards and European quality in all fields is something we all strive for, and one of the most effective mechanisms for achieving that goal is the process of European integration and accession negotiations," said Radulović.
He emphasized that Montenegro is particularly proud of its commitment to the policy of good neighborliness and regional cooperation, which is a prerequisite for the progress of our country, as well as for the European path of the entire region.
"We are aware of the challenges that await us and we are ready to solve them in cooperation with all actors in the Montenegrin society, therefore we expect the support of our European partners on that path," he concluded.
In Vienna, Radulović also spoke with the director of the Diplomatic Academy, Emil Brix. On this occasion, the excellent and high-quality multi-year cooperation between the two diplomatic academies was confirmed, concludes the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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