Satler: Go to final benchmarks, where continuous work is required

"Montenegro has developed an ambitious road map, and the goal to close the chapters by 2026 is ambitious but achievable. Some of the tasks for the next year are the need to focus on electoral reform," said the EU ambassador.

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Satler at the presentation of the EC report, Photo: Luka Zeković
Satler at the presentation of the EC report, Photo: Luka Zeković
Disclaimer: The translations are mostly done through AI translator and might not be 100% accurate.
Ažurirano: 30.10.2024. 19:09h

The Ambassador of the European Union (EU) in Montenegro, Johan Satler, said that Montenegro has strengthened its position as a leader in the EU and a leader in European integration.

At the presentation of the European Commission (EC) report at the European House in Podgorica, he pointed out that the internal structure of the Montenegrin government was positively evaluated, but that resources and the coordination role of the Ministry of European Affairs (MEP) should be increased.

"IBAR is the result of the Government's efforts, but it would not have been achieved without the constructive role of the opposition. Now we need to move on to the final benchmarks, where continuous work is needed," Satler pointed out.

He said that the state should continue to ensure the protection of journalists.

"Montenegro has developed an ambitious road map, and the goal to close the chapters by 2026 is ambitious but achievable. Some of the tasks for the next year are the need to focus on electoral reform," said the EU ambassador.

Satler said there are several chapters like 19 and 2 where the state needs to step up its efforts, as well as chapters 17, 11 and 6.

"The less polarity we see in the political debate, the sooner we can advance towards the EU," said Satler.

He said that the EC remains focused on enlargement, and that the news is that it will also have a commissioner who will exclusively deal with enlargement.

Satler said that the Growth Plan is based on the principle that the more you progress, the more you get.

He also announced that Montenegro will become a member of the European payment area.

Satler answered the question of "Vijesti" when it was decided and when it will be implemented that the European Commission (EC) proposes to the Council of the EU to draw up an agreement on the accession of Montenegro to the EU, he said that it is a proposal to start working on it.

Satler and Spajić
Satler and Spajićphoto: Luka Zeković

"Don't get carried away, it's a technical matter," Satler said at today's presentation of the European Commission (EC) report at the European House in Podgorica.

He pointed out that if Montenegro closes four chapters by the end of the year, it will still have 26.

"It is a good sign that we are starting technical preparations," said Satler.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić added that we must wait for the intergovernmental conference in December, and that we must do our best to make it happen.

"It's true, we have a lot of support, there's a big chance, but first we have to achieve that goal. It often happens that sometimes we go a little too fast. We got on a fast train, that's obvious. We feel a lot of positive energy. It's important that all political actors in Montenegro understand that this is a moment for history, which will really lead Montenegro forward towards our aspirations that have lasted for decades, and which can be realized in a relatively short period of time," Spajić said.

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