Montenegro wants to enter the European Union (EU) with dignity, fulfilling all necessary obligations and respecting all prerequisites, while preserving history, tradition and identity, said Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić.
At the Conference of Speakers of Parliaments of EU Member States in Budapest, on the topic "The Future of Europe", he said that Montenegro, which he believes will soon become the first member of the Union, is deeply attached to the European idea.
"I think everyone knows that our desire is to enter the EU with our heads held high - with dignity, fulfilling all necessary obligations, respecting all prerequisites, while preserving our history, tradition and identity," Mandić emphasized.
He said that the 28th convocation of the Parliament of Montenegro completely unblocked the accession process in an incredibly short time and achieved historic results, particularly highlighting the closure of three negotiation chapters at the end of last year.
Mandić said that they have a clear vision for Montenegro to close all chapters by the end of 2026, and to become the first full member of the Union by 2028, with the support of member states.
"This is not just the political ambition of a party, but the desire of over 80 percent of Montenegrin citizens who strongly support our European path, which, with the results achieved, makes us the absolute leader in the region," Mandić emphasized.
He said that the fellow presidents present are aware that Montenegro democratically changed government for the first time in 2020 and that, unlike the previous government, the current commitment to Europe is not declarative.
As Mandić added, today the country is led by people for whom the European future is not just a phrase.
Mandić said that the EU, in a time of increasing global challenges, must be a pillar of peace, security and protect human dignity.
"I believe that only a Europe that respects its peoples can be the one that leads the free world," Mandić said.
He said that Montenegro is closer than ever to becoming a member of the EU.
"With hope and faith in a common future, we are ready to make our full contribution to the European family," concluded Mandić.
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