Montenegro, which has been an ally of Germany in NATO for years, defined an ambitious agenda in the process of joining the European Union, on which it is now courageously working again, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, Analena Berbok, in anticipation of her visit to Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"We want to take advantage of this new energy together and, as a close partner and good friend, follow Montenegro on its way to the EU. In Podgorica, there will also be discussions about how Montenegro can make even better progress in the implementation of judicial reforms, in the fight against corruption and organized crime and how we can support Montenegro on that path," she stated in a statement delivered by the German Embassy in Podgorica.
Berbok said that the countries of the Western Balkans are "an inseparable part of our Europe".
"Our strong support for the six countries of the region on their way to the European Union has, at least given the brutal imperialism of Russia, become a geopolitical necessity. We cannot afford to have gray areas anywhere in Europe, and together we must do everything to close an open space that Russia can use for its policy of destabilization, disinformation and subversion," the German minister emphasized.
This means, he adds, that the countries of the Western Balkans should be supported to strengthen their democratic institutions, improve their resilience and provide people with an economic perspective.
"As the EU, we have a common task to position ourselves for the future, while preparing additional seats at the European table. Only together can we succeed in laying a strong foundation for peace, freedom and security in Europe," says Berbok.
He believes that Bosnia and Herzegovina is at a crossroads that is of crucial importance for its accession process.
"Last year, the European Council made a decision to start accession negotiations as soon as the criteria for that are met. On the way to the European Union, those responsible in Sarajevo must approach the necessary reforms step by step. The adoption of the Law on Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorist Activities was one such European reform step. It is of crucial importance that, from the perspective of the upcoming local elections in October, the reform of the electoral legislation also includes an integrity package. Free and fair elections are the foundation of a democratic society. the wheels of Bosnia and Herzegovina on its way to the European Union and call into question European values," concludes Berbok.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany is visiting Montenegro today and will meet with her Montenegrin counterpart Filip Ivanovic.
After the meeting, the ministers will make statements to the public in Villa "Gorica" starting at 13 p.m.
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