The recommendations of the European Commission (EC) are invaluable and will help Montenegro to fulfill the remaining criteria even faster and speed up the reform processes, said Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević.
She said that the EC Report brings many reasons for optimism, primarily because it is the best since Montenegro started negotiations with the European Union (EU).
"This report is not just a statistic, it reflects our effort and commitment on the way to the EU," said Gorčević in an interview with the MINA agency.
She pointed out that she was particularly pleased that chapters 23 and 24, which refer to the judiciary, fundamental rights, justice, freedom and security, were rated as "good progress".
This means, as stated by Gorčević, that the reforms have really started to bring about changes that can be seen and felt.
"In addition, the stability of the political environment recognized by the Report creates space for all of us to work together to strengthen our society," said Gorčević.
She recalled that in 30 out of 33 negotiation chapters, progress was achieved, that there was no setback in any chapter, and that for the first time some chapters were assessed as "very good progress".
Gorčević pointed out that all this indicates that Montenegro is not only progressing, but also developing as a society that strives for common goals.
“The guidance given by the Commission is invaluable. They will help us to fulfill the remaining criteria even faster and speed up the reform processes", said Gorčević.
As she said, the European future brings stability and security, and that is what all citizens deserve.
Gorčević said that the next steps of Montenegro on the way to the EU are clear, stating that they will focus on the analysis of the recommendations from the EC Report, in order to successfully implement them.
She repeated that the goal is to close four negotiation chapters by the end of the year, which would be a big step forward after a long standstill.
"For closing, we have prepared chapters in the field of intellectual property, information society, entrepreneurship and security, and we are looking forward to the third Intergovernmental Conference, which will confirm our efforts", stated Gorčević.
Along with that, as she said, they are also working on preparing the chapter that will be closed already in the first half of next year, during Poland's presidency of the Council of the EU.
Gorčević pointed out that the Reform Agenda they adopted clearly defines the priorities, adding that every success will bring concrete benefits for the citizens.
"This year can be remembered as crucial for our European future, and we will all work together to make it happen," said Gorčević.
Speaking about the Reform Agenda, Gorčević said that its adoption is the basis for accelerating the European path of Montenegro.
As she said, this agenda means that Montenegro has a clear plan with 130 reforms and 60 important projects that cover key areas such as education, human capital development, green transition and the rule of law.
"Our goal is for citizens to see the benefits of European standards in the foreseeable future - through better infrastructure, a better working environment and sustainable growth," said Gorčević.
As she said, the Reform Agenda, aligned with the negotiation chapters, gives a strong impetus to rapid progress towards EU membership and brings Montenegro one step closer to the standard of living of Union citizens.
Gorčević said that this agenda will strengthen Montenegrin economic and social development, and with it comes 383,5 million euros.
"Of that, 178,5 million euros will go to strengthening our budget, while the remaining 205 million will be directed to key infrastructure projects and areas that directly affect our everyday life," Gorčević said.
She pointed out that it is expected that a significant part of that money will be aimed at improving the business environment, allowing companies easier access to the market and reducing administrative obstacles.
According to Gorčević, this will open the door to new jobs and improve economic stability.
She emphasized that green energy is becoming a priority, because she will invest in renewable sources, reducing bills and protecting the beautiful nature of Montenegro.
"In the digital world, we will improve the infrastructure in order to provide faster internet and better quality e-services, enabling all of us to be connected and informed", said Gorčević.
She pointed out that these reforms will also ensure that young people in Montenegro receive a quality education that will prepare them for the challenges of the future.
Asked what the proposal of the European Commission to the Council of the EU to establish a technical working group to draw up an accession agreement with Montenegro in due time means for Montenegro's European path, Gorčević replied that this step is a real sign that the EU recognizes Montenegro's progress.
As she said, it is a sign that the EU recognizes Montenegro's readiness to formalize its future in the community of European nations.
"The establishment of the technical working group is an important signal that our path to membership is accelerating and that we are a serious candidate for the EU. It's not just another step - it's a confirmation that our reforms bring real results," Gorčević pointed out.
Although there is no exact date when the accession agreement will be ready, according to her, the very announcement of that process provides new energy and motivation.
"Along with our work on closing the negotiation chapters and ending the negotiation process, the working group of the Council of the EU will work on all the necessary details of the contract, and when we sign the contract and all EU member states ratify it, that will be the final stage of our accession," Gorčević said. .
As she said, when the accession agreement is signed, Montenegro will become a full member of the EU, which opens the door to many advantages for citizens.
"Freedom of movement, access to the common market, and the strengthening of democratic standards are just some of the benefits that will improve the quality of our lives," emphasized Gorčević.
She added that these changes not only bring economic stability, but also strengthen social cohesion and connection within our community.
Commenting on the visit of EC President Urusela von der Leyen to Montenegro, Gorčević said that the visit brought strong energy and encouragement for the country's European path.
"Her enthusiasm and support are clear signals that the EU recognizes our efforts and progress," said Gorčević.
She recalled that Von der Leyen highlighted concrete successes that Montenegro has achieved, which motivates the continuation of reforms that guarantee stability, security and a better standard of living for everyone.
"Her words confirm that our reforms did not go unnoticed and that we are on the right track," Gorčević emphasized.
As she said, it is very important that the EU sees Montenegro as an important partner that deserves additional support.
Gorčević added that this is not just help, but recognition of Montenegrin potential and readiness for the country to build a better future.
"With this kind of support, we can work together to create a society that will provide equal opportunities for all of us, strengthening our community and empowering future generations," said Gorčević.
Speaking about the previous year, she said that year was a real breakthrough for Montenegro.
Gorčević said that, from the moment Von der Leyen visited Montenegro, just a few hours after the formation of the Government, they knew they were on the right path.
"Her return visit this year confirms how much our results and efforts are recognized and appreciated at the highest European level," Gorčević added.
She pointed out that the MEP, as a link with the EU, worked intensively on the coordination of negotiations and European funds.
"We can proudly say that we have achieved historic strides with our joint efforts," emphasized Gorčević.
She said that the judiciary, after years of waiting, was finally unblocked through the appointments of the Supreme State Prosecutor, the Judicial Council and the Constitutional Court.
Gorčević reminded that Montenegro received its first positive IBAR report, which is additionally encouraging in the reforms of the rule of law.
She said that, after a long break, two intergovernmental conferences with the EU were held and a plan was made to close all negotiation chapters by 2026.
Gorčević reminded that they have also submitted a request to join SEPA, which will enable citizens to make simpler and faster payment transactions throughout Europe.
"In addition to the successfully completed Reform Agenda, we also worked on withdrawing money from EU funds, so, among other things, a grant of 100 million euros was secured to support the construction of the section of the Bar-Boljara highway, between Mateševo and Andrijevica, as well as 112,6, XNUMX million euros for the reconstruction of the Bar-Golubovci railway section", said Gorčević.
She said that, when it comes to bilateral cross-border programs, in the past year, there were 36 projects in the implementation phase, worth a little more than 13,5 million euros in total.
According to Gorčević, the implementation of 169 projects has begun, within which 30,7 million euros have been allocated for Montenegrin users.
"Our European path is full of challenges, but together we are moving towards a better future for all of us", Gorčević concluded.
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