The High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission (EC), Kaja Kalas, announced today that she is proud that the EU helped to establish an agreement between the government and the opposition in Montenegro.
At a joint press conference with the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko Spajić, Kalas said that Montenegro had made good progress on its EU path.
"These meetings allow us to confirm this. We welcome your commitment to reforms. As you know, there are no shortcuts, but reforms need to be implemented. I am proud that the EU, through Ambassador Sattler, helped to establish an agreement between the government and the opposition," Kallas stressed.
She said that the advance payment of 26 million euros will be paid this year.
"We must strengthen cooperation in the field of security. Later today I will meet with your Minister of Defense. Montenegro benefits from EU assistance to the Balkan Medical Unit as part of a package that assists military medical teams," said Kalas.
She said there were several issues, including Russia's illegal war against Ukraine.
"I am glad that Montenegro supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the UN Charter. Just as you have generously accepted Ukrainian refugees. As far as I understand, you have received more of them per capita than any country in the world," said Kalas.
She said she would visit Sarajevo tomorrow.
"We cannot tolerate attacks on unity and state order. Politicians have a responsibility to work together. We have increased the number of our troops on the ground. I think it is important that a security vacuum does not arise," said the EU High Representative.
Spajić said that Montenegro wants to continue with this pace of reforms.
"Last year was the most successful when it comes to Montenegro's European integration and it is our introduction to this one. Montenegro has no dilemmas, the European Union (EU) is our strategic path and there is nothing that would distract us from it. We are the only country in the United Nations (UN) that voted completely in accordance with EU decisions. We are grateful to you for helping us strengthen our defense, which will enable us to participate as a member of NATO and the EU in joint activities. This shows our commitment to foreign policy, regardless of who is the Prime Minister and who is in the Government," Spajić emphasized.
When asked by reporters whether he expects EU support for cooperation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Spajić replied that they have begun talks with representatives of all parliamentary groups, and that he expects a consensus on economic interests.
He added that the cooperation is in line with what they have communicated with the EU.
"We are preparing interstate agreements with three EU member states. In the coming days, we will have consultations with everyone," said Spajić.
Kalas said that Montenegro's economic development is in the interest of the EU, but that it is important that all laws and all commitments are respected.
When asked by journalists how many chapters Montenegro can close this year, and what can be done to close Chapter 31, which Croatia is blocking, Kalas said that developing good relations with the region is very important, and that there is no consensus on that chapter, although they are working on it with dedication.
She assessed that observation missions are increasingly important, as it is becoming increasingly difficult to combat foreign influence.
"It is important for us that all laws and commitments are respected, especially towards the EU," said Kalas.
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