Montenegro is proof that the enlargement of the European Union (EU) is back on the agenda, said Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević.
As announced by the Ministry of European Affairs (MEP), Gorčević said this at the conference "EU Enlargement - Montenegro's Progress", organized by the European House in Paris in cooperation with the Montenegrin Embassy in France.
"We have shown that, with determination and dedication, concrete results can be achieved and we have become a symbol of Euro-optimism," Gorčević emphasized.
She referred to Montenegro's accelerated progress on its path towards the EU, as well as the support it is receiving to meet the conditions to become the next member.
Gorčević said that this shows that EU enlargement is not a myth, but a reality, and that progress is possible when there is political will on both sides and reform capacity.
"Montenegro today is not only a leader in the region. Montenegro is proof that EU enlargement is back on the agenda," said Gorčević.
She emphasized that Montenegro is not looking for shortcuts or special treatment.
"We are seeking a fair and deserved opportunity to close the remaining chapters by 2026 and to become the 28th member of the EU by 2028," said Gorčević.
She said that enlargement, in addition to candidate countries, is also important for the EU, stating that in times of geopolitical uncertainty, the EU needs partners who are proven, loyal and strategically important.
"Montenegro is exactly that. We are fully aligned with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy. We are a member of NATO. We stand firmly with European values," Gorčević emphasized.
She stressed that she believes that enlargement is no longer a question of "if", but "when and how".
"I believe that both Montenegro and Europe need a strong, united and resilient EU," concluded Gorčević.
Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Rene Trokaz, said that Montenegro is an example of how perseverance and hard work can achieve great results in a short time.
"France supports a merit-based enlargement policy. Montenegro has shown that it is serious about implementing reforms, transforming society and preparing for membership in the Union," said Trokaz.
According to him, France is ready to support Montenegro on this path.
Montenegro's Chief Negotiator with the EU, Predrag Zenović, recalled everything that has been done in the field of European integration in the past year and a half.
"The past year was a year of accelerated progress, with three intergovernmental conferences held, which is a true record. Montenegro is the first country to receive a positive IBAR in chapters 23 and 24 under the new enlargement methodology," said Zenović.
As he pointed out, Montenegro has adopted a Reform Agenda, which will bring EUR 383 million from the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans in the next three years.
"We have joined the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) and for the first time in seven years, we have closed three negotiation chapters," Zenović reminded.
According to him, Montenegro's results were further highlighted in the European Commission's progress report, which is the most positive to date.
As announced by the MEP, the conference was attended by representatives of French institutions, civil society, non-governmental organizations and diplomatic missions, who expressed interest in the EU accession process, regional cooperation and exchange of experiences in the Western Balkans.
"The achievements so far in the negotiations, the challenges in closing the most demanding chapters, as well as the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the reform agenda were discussed," the statement said.
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