Montenegro is an example that the enlargement of the European Union (EU) is certain, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MVP), adding that this is the most successful year since Montenegro negotiated with the EU.
The MFA said that after today's meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the EU Member States, it is certain that Montenegro will close three negotiation chapters at the upcoming Intergovernmental Conference.
"After seven years, we are closing a chapter and we can be very proud of the results achieved this year and the commitment of the state administration, as well as the entire society, to European integration," said the MFA.
They added that Montenegro is continuously dedicated to fulfilling the conditions for an accelerated path to the EU.
"With the goal of ending the negotiations by the end of 2026, and becoming a member by 2028, which is a key foreign policy priority," the statement said.
The MFA said that by meeting the final benchmarks for closing four chapters of the legal acquis, the conditions for holding the Intergovernmental Conference have been met.
"At which we will make another significant step towards the final goal - membership in the EU", the statement added.
The MFA said that thanks to joint efforts, this year is the most successful since Montenegro negotiated.
"Because we are ending it with three closed chapters, the first closed after seven years, a positive IBAR (which we received as the first of ten candidate countries) and as the first SEPA candidate country for membership," says the statement of the MFA.
They said that when it comes to chapter 31-Foreign, security and defense policy, which is under the competence of the Ministry of Interior, all the conditions for its closure have been met.
"Montenegro is continuously 100% aligned with the common foreign and security policy of the Union, in agreement with the American side, the final criterion for terminating the bilateral agreement on the jurisdiction of the ICC has been met, and the new Law on Restrictive Measures has been adopted," according to the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
From that government department, they added that the fact that they have completed their part of the work is a prerequisite for closure, and the final decision is made by the member states.
"The final benchmarks have been met, the chapter is ready to be closed and we believe that, by the next Intergovernmental Conference, the conditions will be met for it to be closed," the statement said.
The MFA said that, now that Montenegro is in the last and most politically sensitive phase of integration into the Union, communication with the member states must be constant and proactive.
"And in that process, as before, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our diplomatic-consular network will play an important role", says the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
From that department, they said that they will continue with the same commitment and determination, and the closing of the three chapters will give additional momentum to the negotiations.
"Now, more than ever, it is crucial for Montenegro that all institutions of the system and parliamentary parties that want to see Montenegro in the EU act in sync, with a clear vision of our European future," says the statement of the MFA.
They stated that this is the only safe way for Montenegro to achieve the desired results and the final goal - full membership in the EU by 2028.
Bonus video:
