Šmit: Montenegro has made the most progress on the European road

Montenegro has made the most progress on the European path of all the candidate and potential candidate countries, and that is a significant achievement, said the Ambassador of Switzerland, Urs Šmit, at a meeting with the chief negotiator, Zorka Kordić.

The General Secretariat of the Government said that Kordić and Šmit spoke today in an online format, during which they exchanged opinions on Montenegro's progress on the road to European integration, as well as bilateral relations between the two countries.

Schmidt, as stated, pointed out that, although Switzerland is not part of the European Union (EU), both countries are bound by democratic values ​​and common economic goals.

It is reported that Šmit said that Montenegro should continue with the reforms implemented in the process of European integration, not only for the sake of EU membership, but primarily for the sake of achieving better and more prosperous economic and democratic development.

Šmit said that Switzerland provides support to Montenegro through numerous regional projects and expressed readiness for bilateral support in the coming period in areas of mutual interest.

Kordić, as stated, pointed out that the European integration of Montenegro has a transformative power for all democratic and social changes.

"And that especially reforms in the area of ​​the rule of law can contribute to the development of a more favorable business climate and the improvement of economic parameters, which can further strengthen the already good cooperation with Switzerland when it comes to investments," the announcement says.

Kordić said that she is convinced that the continuation of efficient work on fulfilling the obligations from the European agenda that Montenegro has set for itself and reaching European standards in all areas, will recommend it as a good destination for investments.

Speaking about the recent report of the European Commission, Kordić pointed out that the document is an instrument for monitoring the entire process and that it provides clear guidelines on a technical and political level.

"With the ultimate goal that all capacities in the country are aimed at finalizing the negotiation process and preparing for future membership in the EU, which is supported by the majority of the citizens of Montenegro," added Kordić.

It is reported that Kordić and Šmit exchanged opinions on the state of the rule of law, agreeing that progress in negotiation chapters 23 and 24 is of crucial importance for further progress in the negotiations.

Kordić said that the results in the area of ​​the rule of law, due to their impact on the overall development of society, represent the core of the negotiation process with the EU and will be the focus of the Government in the coming period.