Kos: The best way to move forward is to involve the opposition and support reforms

Kos expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the tragedy in Cetinje on January 1st and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded.

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Kos and Spajić, Photo: Boris Pejović
Kos and Spajić, Photo: Boris Pejović
Disclaimer: The translations are mostly done through AI translator and might not be 100% accurate.
Ažurirano: 16.01.2025. 18:50h

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said that the arrival of European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos is a great obligation for Montenegro to work even harder, implement reforms even faster, and find solutions to all the problems that will follow.

"We think it is a great honor and a great obligation for us. It is not easy to be in the position of Montenegro to have 25 chapters that we have to close, according to our plan, by the end of 2026. We need to focus on reforms that are very demanding and require the government and the opposition to do our best to find a common path," Spajić said at a joint press conference with Kos at the Villa Gorica in Podgorica.

Kos expressed her condolences to the families of those killed in the tragedy in Cetinje on January 1st and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded.

She said she wanted to encourage Montenegro to work even harder if it wants to close negotiation chapters with the EU by 2026.

She emphasized that Montenegro has a chance to complete the negotiations during her mandate and that Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović and Spajić confirmed that the citizens want this.

"If we want to be successful, we need everyone," Kos said.

She emphasized that all political actors should work in accordance with the wishes of citizens for EU entry.

"Enlargement should include all layers of society, institutions," Kos said.

Kos said that Montenegro is aligned with EU foreign policy and is making maritime routes safe.

"Montenegro has a historic opportunity and there is no time to waste. I am counting on you to make me proud," said Kos.

Responding to questions from reporters, Kos said that the best way to move forward is to involve the opposition and support reforms, but to understand that parliament is a place to discuss differences.

"I expect that the majority in parliament will support the reforms," ​​Kos said.

Spajić said that a hand has been extended to the opposition and that he wants them to work together on the EU path.

He pointed out that there is no one, neither the government nor the opposition, to jeopardize the open opportunity.

"No one in parliament should put a brake on the European path, even for the sake of their voters," Spajić said.

He pointed out that he expects the budget to be adopted by the end of January.

"We want an intensive dialogue with the opposition, but some things have to be concluded," said Spajić.

Kos said that they will listen to the opposition and that they are there if there is a need for the EU to get involved.

Kos said that it is very important that Montenegro remains on the EU path.

When asked about the protests by the informal student group "Kamo Śutra?", Spajić said that he invited the organizers to a meeting because he wanted to hear the other side.

"We are here to talk. As far as we are concerned, the door is open," said Spajić.

He said he hopes there will be no boycott during the adoption of the budget, if everyone's interest is in progress on the EU path.

"We are open to finding solutions through compromises, but I hope it won't come to that," Spajić said.

When asked how she commented on the fact that students organizing protests were insulted by high-ranking officials, Kos said that she strongly believes in civil society.

"We expect the authorities to foster an approach that ensures freedom of expression and the right to protest are implemented," Kos said.

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