Interview with Viorel Ardeleanu, Ambassador of Romania to Montenegro.
• Your Excellency, how do you comment on the increasing interest of citizens from EU member states in the context of the European elections for the upcoming European parliamentary elections?
to Ardelean: The EU is the most successful integration project in the world so far. It is a union of 27 states and a population of about 450 million, it is more integrated than the USA from the point of view of common legislation. The European Consultation Platform for the Future of Europe, launched before the pandemic, promotes dialogue between civil society, citizens and EU structures. Both the latest pandemic context and the consequences of the Russian-Ukrainian war, which Europe is currently facing, presented enormous challenges for solidarity, democracy and prosperity in Europe. We are convinced that the European elections will prove that EU member states are successfully overcoming these challenges.
• How does Romania organize these elections? What do you think are the biggest obstacles facing your country?
to Ardelean: First of all, I would like to mention that on Sunday, June 9, we are organizing elections for the European Parliament and local elections in Romania. It is a huge logistical and administrative effort. Romania will also organize, during 2024, presidential elections in September and parliamentary elections at the end of the year. I want to underline the constant efforts of the Government and the Permanent Election Commission of Romania, which promotes a strong and positive public awareness campaign. This public campaign is also promoted within the Romanian community living in Montenegro.
• How active is the Romanian community from Montenegro and how can they vote in all these elections?
to Ardelean: I want to point out that citizens of all member states, including citizens of Romania from Montenegro, can vote for their representatives in the European Parliament in any EU country, based on a special electoral list. Therefore, it is not necessary for EU citizens to go to their countries of citizenship or to prove that they have a residence permit in a certain country in order to vote. For example, a citizen of Romania or the Kingdom of Denmark who currently lives in Montenegro, can vote for the European Parliament in the embassy of Romania or in the embassy of another EU member state from Podgorica if he has previously expressed his will to be referred to special electoral lists, based on their valid identity or travel documents.
Romanian citizens from Montenegro are well organized in two associations that are quite active in the promotion of Romanian culture and tradition. Annually, together with the Honorary Consul of Romania in Danilovgrad and the Association of Romanians of Montenegro, we organize the traditional event GASTRO-DAN and a summer camp for Romanian and Montenegrin children. Together with the capital Podgorica, we also organized a Romanian gastronomic event, within the framework of the Spring Bazaar, with wines and food products. At the beginning of July, a monument to the national poet of Romania, Mihailo Eminescu, will be inaugurated in Podgorica, and a street in Podgorica will be named Krajova, the capital of Dolž County. These are just some of the events organized together with Romanian communities.
• It is known that Romania and Montenegro have very good relations and that your country is a strong supporter of the European integration of Montenegro. What are your expectations in this regard?
to Ardelean: Romania's firm support to Montenegro will continue throughout the entire integration process. We look forward to sending Romanian experts to share our expertise, as a reliable partner and neighbor. The recent visits to Romania by President Jakov Milatović and Minister of Foreign Affairs Filip Ivanović proved that the multiple ties that exist between our countries are stronger than ever.
Since January 2007, when Romania joined the EU, Bucharest has made important reforms in various areas such as the rule of law, the fight against corruption, sustainable and green economy. But the most important aspect is that the GDP of Romania today is more than 3 times higher than the GDP in 2007. The exchange of best practices with the Government of Montenegro will bring positive signs and make Montenegro's progress in the reform process necessary for EU accession more visible. Romania is a close friend of Montenegro, we share the same values, we belong to the same region and we want Montenegro to become a member of the EU as soon as possible. 2028 is a feasible time goal for Montenegro to join the EU, and we support it.
