Montenegro has been able to close more than three negotiation chapters in the negotiations on accession to the European Union (EU) in the past two years, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović said, adding that the country has no time to waste and has policies that are not sufficiently responsible.
At a press conference after a meeting with Moldovan President Maja Sandu, Milatović said that he had repeatedly said that an ambitious goal had been set for Montenegro to become the 28th member of the EU by 2028.
"I often talk about dynamics, especially in the context of the reform agenda on the domestic front. I think that dynamics are quite slow, that in the past two years we could have closed much more than three negotiation chapters," said Milatović.
He believes that a line must be drawn in the middle of this year, after the next Intergovernmental Conference.
"If the dynamics are not good, I think someone should bear political responsibility. Montenegro has no time to waste, for politics that is not responsible and serious enough," Milatović said.
Citizens, according to him, do not have time for things that divert Montenegro from its European path.
"My expectations are that things will speed up, and if they don't, I think a line must be drawn and someone must answer to society and ultimately bear political responsibility for the bad dynamics," Milatović added.
When asked by a journalist whether he believed that the European integration process could be faster, given the threat coming from the east, he replied that Montenegro, compared to Moldova and Ukraine, is in a better position when it comes to potential threats from other countries, especially since it is part of NATO.
He added that he has repeatedly spoken about NATO as a security guarantee that Montenegro has, which, unfortunately, some other countries do not have.
"Regarding the European path, I have said many times that Montenegro, as the most advanced country, should first do more on the domestic front, because it seems to me at the moment that Europeans would much rather see Montenegro as part of the EU than we in Montenegro are trying to deliver certain reforms," Milatović said.
He said that he does not see that anything has been done when it comes to the laws on the Parliament and the Government, the demanding reform of electoral legislation, and other important things that are part of the reform package.
"I think the focus has to be on that, but I also say that Montenegro looks forward to any progress made by all other candidate countries, including Moldova," Milatović added.
He emphasized that the visit to Sandu is a strong confirmation of the friendly relations between Montenegro and Moldova and their commitment to European values, cooperation, dialogue and a common European future.
Milatović said that Montenegro, as a country at the forefront of European integration, has the ambition to become the 28th member of the EU by 2028 and is ready to share with Moldova the experience and knowledge gained during accession negotiations.
"The signing of the memorandum of cooperation in the field of European integration further confirms our commitment to that goal and provides an institutional framework for our cooperation," added Milatović.
Moldova, as he emphasized, can count on Montenegro as a sincere European partner, both today and in the future.
"Also, Montenegro, as a reliable and credible member of NATO, appreciates Moldova's cooperation with the Alliance, which demonstrates that country's commitment to European and Euro-Atlantic security," Milatović said.
He said that the two countries share the same views when it comes to key geopolitical issues and that they jointly advocate for the right of each country to choose its own foreign policy course and allies.
Milatović stated that, in this spirit, Montenegro strongly supports the territorial integrity of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders.
"We have the same positions when it comes to Ukraine. Montenegro supports the efforts of European and American allies to create conditions for a just and sustainable peace in that country," said Milatović.
He said that, in the area of economy, trade and investment are growing, but that he believes they can do much more.
"That's why the President and I had the idea of organizing a business forum for businessmen from the two countries, because it can open the door to stronger connections between our chambers of commerce and business communities," said Milatović, adding that there is significant room for cooperation in the areas of tourism, agriculture, education, science, culture and innovation.
He stated that he particularly welcomes the work on signing agreements in the fields of education and culture, which will further strengthen the institutional relationship between our two countries.
Sandu said she wants to deepen relations between the two countries, which, she noted, are young democracies and both candidates for EU membership.
"What unites us is the vision of values and the belief that we belong to the EU," said Sandu.
As she emphasized, the future of Moldova and Montenegro, all the countries of the Western Balkans and Ukraine lies precisely in the EU.
According to Sandu, EU enlargement is an investment in the future and prosperity of all of Europe.
She assessed that the accession of Montenegro and Moldova to the EU would also strengthen the Union itself.
"Because we carry the energy of our citizens, the ambition for reforms, the solidarity and resilience of societies that have chosen the path of freedom, democracy and the rule of law," stated Sandu.
She believes that Montenegro has made important progress on its path to EU accession, and that Moldova is also making decisive progress.
"We agreed to deepen coordination and exchange of experiences, especially when it comes to good governance, energy policy, and digital transformation," Sandu said.
Moldova, she added, has a lot to learn and is grateful for Montenegro's support and openness on that path.
Sandu said that she and Milatović also discussed the importance of deepening bilateral relations in areas that are important for the citizens of Montenegro and Moldova in their daily lives.
"We see room for cooperation in the field of agriculture. Tourism is another common area we can work on, as Moldovans increasingly see Montenegro as their tourist destination. I hope that this will also apply in the opposite direction," Sandu added.
She emphasized that they are not looking for any shortcuts.
"We seek to join the EU and to contribute to the future of the Union. We are aware that what is required is not easy, but we are committed to fulfilling it," said Sandu.
She thanked Milatović for, as she stated, their continued friendship.
"Moldova and Montenegro are walking this path together, we are not competitors, but we need to be in solidarity, and our success is not only possible, but it is within reach," said Sandu.
Responding to a question from a journalist, she said that they are committed to making Moldova ready for integration by 2030, but that they also hope to complete the negotiations by 2028.
This, according to Sandu, is very ambitious.
"But I believe, we are serious people and we are working hard towards that goal. There are numerous challenges and reforms that we need to fulfill, the most difficult ones being in the justice sector, as well as strengthening the capacities of institutions," Sandu stated.
She assessed that the biggest challenges come from outside.
"First of all, you need to have peace in order to be able to reform society and progress. Today, Moldova has peace precisely thanks to the courage of Ukrainians, but also thanks to the support of countries that continue to support Ukraine," Sandu emphasized.
The integration process, as she stated, is a merit-based process and that is how it should be.
"Of course there is an opportunity now, we recognize greater openness among member states when it comes to the enlargement process and greater commitment from the institutions in Brussels. We need to continue to work hard so as not to miss this opportunity," Sandu emphasized.
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