Montenegro remains the most advanced candidate for membership and a reliable partner of the European Union (EU), it was announced at a meeting between Montenegrin Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević and her Danish counterpart Marija Bjere.
Bjere is on an official visit to Montenegro ahead of Denmark's assumption of the presidency of the Council of the EU, which begins on July 1st.
During the talks, as announced by the Montenegrin Ministry of European Affairs (MEP), the ministers exchanged views on strategic priorities in the upcoming period, with a special focus on the continuation of the enlargement process and Montenegro's negotiations with the EU.
Gorčević reportedly informed Bjere about the progress Montenegro has made in the previous period, emphasizing that all institutional capacities are aimed at closing at least six negotiation chapters by the end of the year.
"Our ambition is for Montenegro to close all negotiation chapters by the end of 2026. We believe we are on the right track," said Gorčević.
She stated that the three chapters that have reached full internal readiness are already in procedure in the EU institutions.
"We expect them to be on the agenda of the next intergovernmental conferences," said Gorčević.
MEPs said that the meeting also discussed challenges on the European path, with a focus on strengthening administrative capacities, the need for additional professionalization of state administration, but also the country's economic readiness for membership.
Gorčević recalled the strong support of the Montenegrin public for EU membership, despite the complex political environment, assessing it as an expression of the maturity of citizens and their trust in the country's European future.
Bjere stressed the importance of joint action in the current geopolitical context and said that Denmark sees enlargement as a strategic issue for the stability and security of the continent.
"Denmark is committed to a credible and predictable enlargement policy. In the coming period, I plan to visit all countries negotiating with the EU, because we want to hear their views and support them on the path of reform," Bjere emphasized.
She added that, during its presidency, Denmark will focus on the green and digital transitions, strengthening the Union's defense capabilities, but also on the renewed momentum of the enlargement process.
"The interlocutors concluded that there is room for further strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially in the areas of sustainable development, institutional reforms and the fight against disinformation, as well as through the expert support that Denmark can provide to Montenegro," the statement said.
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