Montenegro must accelerate legislative reforms, implement new legislation, harmonize regulations and strengthen institutional capacities in order to close all chapters by the end of next year, said the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Podgorica, Johan Sattler.
At the opening of the meeting of members of the European Integration Committee with ambassadors of EU member states, Sattler said that the Union wants partners from the Western Balkans to seize the window of opportunity, which was confirmed by the regional visit of European Council President Antonio Costa.
"He outlined the importance of enlargement, reiterated his commitment to a united Europe, as well as his and our desire to help Montenegro become a new EU member," said Sattler.
He pointed out that since last year, the revival of enlargement policy has become more visible.
"Montenegro is in a strong position and is a leader in this process, it is very positive that you maintain full compliance with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, which was outlined yesterday by the representative of Montenegro at the meeting with Košta," said Sattler.
He pointed out that Montenegro has done a great job, adopting the IBAR law and meeting the benchmarks, which led to the closing of the chapter after seven years.
Satler emphasized that valuable time was lost at the beginning of the year due to the political stalemate in Montenegro.
"That is now over and, while there is no need to cry over spilt milk, it is a reminder of how crucial it is to remain focused on European integration and reforms," Sattler said.
He warned that losing focus could mean losing momentum, noting that Montenegro has now picked up the pace again.
Sattler recalled that Montenegro's ambitious European agenda envisages the closure of six chapters by the end of this year and 20 chapters next year.
"It is clear that a lot of work needs to be done in the next year and a half. In order to close the chapters in 2026, Montenegro must accelerate legislative reforms, implement new legislation, harmonize regulations and strengthen institutional capacities," said Sattler.
He pointed out that many legislative measures that need to be adopted this year must be completed in the coming months.
"You have to finish everything to close Chapter 11, we still have missing pieces, the same goes for Chapter 14. It is very important to accelerate the pace and deliver results before the summer break," said Satler, adding that the Parliament and its role will be crucial.
According to him, the Parliament of Montenegro and the parliamentary majority and opposition have shown what they can achieve when there is a political consensus on national priorities.
"I am confident that you will continue this work in the coming months, maintaining quality. I am optimistic that the Assembly will not miss this unique opportunity that comes once in a generation," said Satler.
He stressed that there is no special secret recipe or formula for how to become an EU member, but rather that it is done by staying the course, staying focused, avoiding divisions and meeting citizens' expectations.
Sattler said that the EU, as before, will be a reliable partner on the European path.
"We will help very concretely, so that at the end of the day we can cross the goal together by the end of 2026," added Sattler.
The Chairman of the Committee for European Integration, Ivan Vuković, said that citizens restored independence with the desire that, on the foundations of the anti-fascist struggle, multiethnic harmony and civic entity, Montenegro would soon become part of the Western system of values, liberal democracy and the free market, as a full member of NATO and the EU.
"In June 2017, Montenegro became part of NATO, thus ensuring long-term stability and security for citizens in the eternally turbulent Western Balkans, and all that remains is to make Montenegro, hopefully, the first future member of the EU," added Vuković.
He emphasized that anyone who means well to Montenegro, its citizens and future generations must be maximally dedicated to the realization of that goal - EU membership.
"There is nothing that is nearly as important for our future. There is no good enough political reason to exempt any of us from the obligation to make a full contribution in that sense," Vuković said.
He emphasized that there is no difference that is more significant than this common goal, as well as no excuse for possible failure on the European path.
"Montenegro has a historic opportunity to become part of the EU by the end of this decade, and on that path the Government has never had stronger support from European partners, which was confirmed by Košta during his visit to Podgorica," said Vuković.
He said that on this path, the Government also has the unreserved support of the opposition, which, despite criticism of the ruling majority, has so far supported and will continue to support every decision of the Government and every legal proposal that brings Montenegro closer to the EU.
"We are aware that serious obstacles still stand on that path, and I am not referring to the interim and final benchmarks, chapters, the administrative capacity of Montenegro and the commitment of our negotiating teams, but to the political obstacles placed before Montenegro by those who do not want our country to become part of the EU in the foreseeable future," Vuković said.
As he said, he is referring to those who spread malignant political influence in the region, who pit Montenegro against its neighbors, and who celebrate Victory Day with the destroyers of Ukrainian cities.
"I'm thinking of those who, while talking about wanting to join the EU, actually hope that the EU will soon cease to exist," Vuković added.
He said that, unfortunately, the influence of such retrograde and anti-European policies is strongly felt in Montenegro, which, according to Vuković, is evidenced by the latest report of the European Parliament, which received convincing support in the Committee on Foreign Affairs two days ago.
"The European future of the country depends predominantly on whether together we in Montenegro, who are striving to join the EU, and you who are helping us in this, will succeed in neutralizing the negative effects of these policies," Vuković concluded.
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