The European Union (EU) should show a greater degree of political support and vision regarding the accession of the Western Balkans (WB), and Montenegro has the potential to become a member of the Union before 2030, according to Slovakian Ambassador Boris Gandel.
The Government announced that Gandel spoke with the Deputy Prime Minister for Labour, Education, Health and Social Policy, Srđan Pavićević.
Gandel assessed that after the election of the 44th Government, Montenegro gains stability and steps more confidently on the path to achieving its strategic goals regarding EU accession.
"Montenegro has the potential for faster entry, before 2030, as currently projected," said Gandel.
He said that he is convinced that friendly relations between Montenegro and Slovakia will continue to be an important support and link with the EU, which Montenegro is resolutely approaching.
"Slovakia, as part of the "Friends of the WB" group, believes that the EU should show a greater degree of political support and vision when it comes to the accession of the WB countries to the EU," Gandel added.
It is stated that Pavićević agreed that the ZB lacks standards and responsibility in the implementation of policies and legislation.
"But also that the entire Western civilization has been suffering for a long time from the lack of a visionary spirit and a clear awareness of the advantages of expanding to wider regions, and therefore - to the West Bank," said Pavićević.
He added that Montenegro has the strength and courage to be an example to the entire region.
"No matter how small a country we are, burdened by the mortgage of a thirty-year hybrid regime, we have the strength and courage to set an example and send a message of encouragement to the entire region, and therefore to be a flywheel for integrative processes in this part of Europe," Pavićević said.
He emphasized that nurturing good neighborly relations, pacifism and a constructive role in resolving war conflicts are more important than formal accession.
"The most important thing is to adopt and practice those values that make us credible and reliable factors in creating the European future," said Pavićević.
As stated in the announcement, at the meeting it was concluded that there are no obstacles to cooperation in all fields of interest for the two countries.
"The previous experience and contribution of Slovakian diplomacy is a great asset in any kind of potential cooperation on the Montenegrin path to the EU," the statement said.
It was added that the interlocutors agree that the Europe they aspire to in the near future will be "our common homeland".
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