The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Filip Ivanovic, said in an interview with the Italian "Corriere della Sera" that he is sure that Montenegro's path to the European Union will be accelerated.
Among other things, he said that Montenegro has done a lot in recent months to meet the temporary criteria for negotiation chapters 23 and 24, as well as that it is determined to continue the process of building responsible, independent and transparent institutions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided a translation of the interview, which was published today.
Your country has been a candidate for EU membership for 14 years. How far have we come and how are the negotiations progressing?
"It's about slowness that can seem excessive. But let's keep some facts in mind: Europe is facing many challenges, from economic and financial, to the latest pandemic, which are related to the peace and stability of the wider region. Under these circumstances, Montenegro managed to open all negotiation chapters and temporarily close three. In this period, the EU adopted a more rigorous methodology for accession negotiations, but Montenegro remains on the right track. We are sure that our path to the EU will accelerate. With the support of Italy as well, which we have seen in recent days."
The Council of the EU is tying any further progress to compliance with the interim benchmarks for the rule of law. What are the parameters and what is missing?
"The goal of the chapter on the rule of law is to create the conditions for an independent and impartial judicial system, with adequate administrative capacities. The new negotiating approach means that Chapters 23 and 24 are among the first to be opened and the last to be closed. Montenegro has done a lot in recent months to meet the temporary benchmarks for these two chapters. Crucial steps concerning the judiciary, such as the appointment of a judge of the Constitutional Court, three members of the Judicial Council and the Supreme State Prosecutor, were voted by a large majority in the parliament. It also indicates that there is a constructive dialogue between the parliamentary majority and the opposition, especially when it comes to key national interests. This, along with the determined fight against organized crime and corruption, shows that we are firmly committed to continuing the process of building responsible, independent and transparent institutions. I am pleased to be able to say that during the meetings I had in Rome, Italian colleagues, including Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, together with the Ministers of Justice and Interior Affairs, promised to support Montenegro in this sense as well".
A sore point in relations in recent years has been environmental protection. What does Montenegro lack in this respect?
"Negotiation chapter 27, which refers to environmental protection and climate change, is one of the most complex, difficult and financially demanding chapters for all negotiating countries, as well as for those that negotiated with the EU before us. There is still a lot of work to be done in these areas, but we are committed to continuous improvement. Environmental protection represents one of the most important development priorities of Montenegro, which is also defined in the Constitution."
We are moving on to regional stability. What are your government's relations with Belgrade like today?
"Although there are differences between Serbia and Montenegro in certain foreign policy positions, there are no obstacles for our political dialogue, based on the principles of mutual respect and equality. That's what we strive for. Serbia is one of the largest trade partners of Montenegro and we believe that the economy, together with the development of infrastructure and connectivity, should be a priority for both sides. One example of this is the recently established direct payment system between the two countries, after 16 years, which will enable faster and more convenient financial transactions between citizens and businesses. Montenegro approaches all issues with Serbia guided by the determination to preserve and improve traditionally close ties, as well as regional cooperation, while at the same time taking care to protect the interests of Montenegro and its citizens".
In Montenegro, a third of the population is made up of Serbs, on the other hand, Podgorica has recognized Kosovo, but it seems that this kind of tension is becoming less pronounced, especially in recent months. What policies lead to this result?
"Montenegro is recognized, both by our partners and allies, as a constructive neighbor, but also an example of how to nurture the country's multi-ethnic and multi-religious character. I think we can be very proud of this position and it is certain that we will continue with this approach. I remind you that Montenegro is defined by its Constitution as a civil and democratic state. The current Government of Montenegro encourages respect for the equality of all citizens, so that everyone can preserve and express their own identity, in accordance with the law, without being discriminated against in any way. I am sure that both our citizens and the region recognized this. We are committed to building an environment of mutual respect, with a focus on development, permanent stability and prosperity of society, and I believe that the results are already visible."
When will diplomatic relations at the ambassador level between Podgorica and Belgrade be re-established?
"One of our main priorities is to strengthen the diplomatic network by appointing ambassadors, bearing in mind that, due to internal political disagreements in the past, we do not have adequate diplomatic representation in numerous countries. As you may know, Serbia recently appointed a new ambassador to Montenegro, who submitted his credentials a few days ago. In the coming months, Montenegro will appoint a new ambassador to Serbia, and I am convinced that this will contribute to the further improvement of diplomatic and political communication between the two countries."
How did joining NATO in 2017 affect the relationship with Belgrade? Considering today's international scene, is this a choice that has critics in the country?
"We strongly support the sovereign right of each country to choose its own security arrangements. By joining NATO, Montenegro made a strategic decision choosing stability, development and peace. Current geopolitical events, with a full-scale war on European soil and numerous hotspots around the world, only confirm that Montenegro made the right decision by joining the most successful alliance in history, which guarantees stability and security to all its members. Through NATO, we are advancing another foreign policy goal - good neighborly relations and cooperation. As allies, we contribute to stability and peace, primarily in Montenegro itself, but also in the wider region. We believe that every neighboring country, NATO member or not, recognizes this and benefits from it".
And in relations with Moscow? Montenegro was often considered a haven for Russian oligarchs, especially until the government that preceded it, yours. How do you feel about Russian influence in the country now?
"Montenegro, as a candidate for full membership in the EU, is fully aligned with the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU. We respect and implement, without exception, all decisions, including those related to the application of restrictive measures introduced against the Russian Federation, or against certain persons and entities from that country. Our further foreign policy towards the Russian Federation will be formulated in full compliance with the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU, according to the principle of realpolitik. As for issuing visas, citizens of the Russian Federation can enter, cross the territory and stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days without a visa, with a valid travel document. For a longer stay, they have to apply for a visa."
Your hometown Podgorica was called Titograd. When traveling in the Balkans, through talking with your peers or younger than you, you often feel a kind of "indirect nostalgia" for the times of Yugoslavia: not for the dictatorship, which is certainly not mourned, but for the "magnificence" of that era? Is this the feeling you encounter among your peers, among your compatriots? How to deal with that feeling?
"Every generation has some kind of nostalgia for the 'good old days.' It is a positive thing that people tend to remember good things more than bad things. However, while preserving the good habits and customs of the past, one should always look to the future. It is also true that our region has gone through periods of turbulence in recent decades, but I am convinced that prosperity and further development await us. This is the environment we want to build in Montenegro. An environment that will give young people hope and a chance to realize their dreams. If we meet this goal, I would be more than proud to have made my modest contribution. I am especially pleased that our region is focused on a common European future. We are bound by the fundamental values to which we strive and whose full implementation we are committed to. In this sense, we have the strong support of all generations of our societies, especially young people, who represent the future of both the Western Balkans and the EU."
Bonus video:
