Support for Montenegro's membership in the European Union (EU) is unanimous, said the Vice President of the European Parliament (EP) Dimitrios Papadimulis and said that Montenegro must continue working on the rule of law and the fight against crime and corruption.
The Vice-President of the Assembly Boris Pejović met with Papadimoulis Strasbourg, on the sidelines of the meeting of the EU-Montenegro Parliamentary Committee for Stabilization and Association (POSP).
As announced by the Assembly, Papadimoulis recalled that it was in Greece, during the Thessaloniki summit held in 2003, that the European perspective for all Western Balkan countries was unequivocally confirmed for the first time.
He said that, although more than 20 years have passed since that event, new energy can be felt in the negotiation process between Montenegro and the EU.
"He supported his opinion with the impressions he gained through a series of meetings with leading EP officials and heads of all parliamentary groups in this institution - according to him, the support for Montenegro's membership in the EU is unanimous," the announcement states.
Papadimulis emphasized that the commitment felt among the young political forces in Montenegro also contributes to this process.
He pointed out that the EU must demonstrate by actions that it wants the membership of the countries of the Western Balkans through the provision of financial support and increased presence in the region.
Papadimulis, as stated, pointed out that Montenegro must show that it wants EU membership by continuing to work on the rule of law, the fight against crime and corruption, and the promotion of gender equality.
Pejović said that the policy of building a broad consensus resulted in quick appointments in the judiciary, which significantly contributed to Montenegro's prospects for speeding up the negotiation process.
He pointed out that EU integration is the absolute foreign policy goal of Montenegro.
Pejović stated that he appreciates clear and tangible signs of support such as the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which provides Montenegro with more than EUR 400 million in the period until 2027.
According to him, the current imperative is to prepare mature projects that will allow Montenegro to use the available funds in a strategic way and with the greatest benefit for the citizens.
As it was announced, the interlocutors also exchanged opinions on the expectations of the 21st meeting of the POSP, which will be held after the break.
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