Europe is working on new defense plans and strengthening its own capacities in that domain, and Montenegro needs to decide whether it wants to be part of that, said Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky.
In an interview with "Vijesti", he said that this would bring additional security to the region.
"A lot is happening, and a common foreign and defense policy is key. I can only call for even greater cooperation in this regard," said Lipavsky, commenting on changes in American politics following the election of Donald Trump as US president.
Trump's decision to freeze aid to Ukraine and take a more conciliatory stance toward Moscow has alarmed Europeans, who see Russia as the biggest threat. At a summit in Brussels on Thursday, European leaders backed plans to increase defense spending and pledged to continue to stand by Ukraine.
Lipavski said that the EU is the best option for Montenegro for long-term security and prosperity and hopes that the ongoing negotiations with Croatia will lead to the resolution of all open issues.
"But this is something that Montenegro and Croatia need to resolve bilaterally," said the Czech minister, who paid an official visit to Montenegro yesterday.
Relations with Croatia have deteriorated in recent years over a number of issues, including ownership of the ship “Jadran” and a sign at the former “Morinj” camp in Kotor. The biggest “cooling off” occurred this summer, when the Montenegrin parliament adopted a resolution on the genocide in the Jasenovac camp. Because of all this, Croatia blocked Montenegro from closing Chapter 31 (foreign, security and defense policy) at the end of last year, due to several unresolved issues.
Do you think that negotiations between Montenegro and the EU are taking too long?
The EU is Montenegro's best option for long-term security and prosperity. This also applies to other Western Balkan countries that are not yet members of the European Union. Of course, the process takes a long time, but it is partly political and partly technical. I like the ambition of the current Government and the broad support of Montenegrin society for European integration. There is some homework that needs to be done, and the Czech Republic strongly supports this.
Is there a chance that Montenegro will become the next EU member in the next few years? The Montenegrin government is very optimistic about this issue.
I am not a supporter of setting specific dates in this process, because it can create an atmosphere of complacency. If we have a date, it does not mean that everything is finished. A lot has to be fulfilled – it is necessary to pass laws, solve technical issues, and there is also the political will of all other EU members to approve it, which is why it is not possible to guarantee an exact date. However, the process itself and the alignment with the EU are very useful and important for Montenegro. We have been through it too – the Czech Republic negotiated membership and now we are working to make the most of the benefits of EU membership. I like the ambition (of the Government of Montenegro). Ambition is important because it gives a clear task to various bodies – be it ministers, agencies – but it also sends a signal to citizens that politicians are working towards this goal. I would say that is a smart strategy.
In which area does Montenegro need to make the most progress in order to become the next EU member? Is it good neighborly relations, given the unresolved issues with Croatia?
I know that Croatia is a great friend of Montenegro and an important regional partner, so I hope that the negotiations that are currently underway will lead to the resolution of all open issues. But this is something that Montenegro and Croatia need to resolve bilaterally. I know that some chapters have been closed, while others are still in the process. I have the impression that the Government is very active on this issue. As Minister of Foreign Affairs, I believe that it is important for Montenegro to further align itself with the EU's common foreign and defense policy – this is something we can work on more.
So, you don't expect Croatia to continue blocking Montenegro on its path to the EU?
This is an issue that needs to be resolved between Montenegro and Croatia. I have discussed it with the President (Jakov Milatović), the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Ervin Ibrahimović) and the Deputy Prime Minister Filip Ivanović. I understand that there is a will for dialogue and I hope that a solution will be found.
How do you assess the work of the Montenegrin Government in fulfilling its obligations from the EU agenda?
The commitments are part of the enlargement process, so I can only comment on the work and ambition of the Government regarding these topics.
Are the work of the Montenegrin Government hindered by ideological differences among the parties that make up it?
I cannot assess that. It is something that every Montenegrin citizen should understand for himself and decide whether he likes it or not. It is not my role to assess domestic policy. It is important for me to hear a unified message from the different members of the Government – and that message is that Montenegro wants to work towards EU accession and that this is its clear goal.
How, in your opinion, can the political crisis caused by the situation in the Constitutional Court of Montenegro be resolved?
That is a question I cannot comment on, because I do not know the details. It would be inappropriate for me to give advice. I think that this is an internal issue that must be resolved through democratic processes in Montenegro, and I believe in those processes.
How will a radical change in the US's relationship with Europe affect the situation in the EU and the Balkans?
We can see quite dramatic changes in American policy. We see that many of the instruments of “soft power” are now being removed or changed. The United States of America will pursue a somewhat different policy. For the Czech Republic, this means that we have to continue to work on transatlantic relations, engage the United States and discuss common interests, and I expect that it is similar for Montenegro. I think this is an important aspect of policy for Montenegro as well.
Europe is now working on new defense plans and strengthening its own capabilities in this area. Montenegro needs to decide whether it wants to be part of that. I can only say that it would bring additional security to the region. However, there are no concrete results yet – a lot is happening, and a common foreign and defense policy is key. I can only call for even greater cooperation in this regard. I have good communication with the President (of Montenegro), the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Deputy Prime Minister Filip Ivanovic, so yesterday's meetings were very useful also in the broader geopolitical context.
Could a change in US policy affect EU enlargement, or stop it and prevent the accession of Montenegro and other countries in the region?
I don't think Donald Trump's policies could stop EU enlargement. On the contrary, I think enlargement is a guarantee of security and prosperity for Montenegro, so I can imagine that it will be an additional incentive for Montenegro to continue with reforms and closer ties to the EU.
Could Trump's policies cause instability in the region?
We haven't seen much yet from the new Donald Trump administration or his possible second administration regarding the Balkans. It's hard to comment on what might change. We can speculate, but right now the situation hasn't changed significantly.
Do you think the EU should form its own army?
I think Europe should have strong national armies, which is different from a single European army. We need a strong European defense against threats like Russia – that is an absolute necessity.
There will be strong pressure to increase military spending
How will the moves of the US and Trump affect NATO?
There will be strong pressure to increase military spending. My government, the Czech government, has decided to gradually increase spending to 3% of GDP over the next five years. I expect that this will be the main message within NATO:
"Please spend more on defense."
Bonus video:
