Montenegro, with its reforms and continuity, deserves to be the next member of the European Union (EU), said President Jakov Milatović at a meeting with French parliamentarians.
During his visit to France, Milatović discussed European integration, the new dynamics of enlargement policy and the role of Montenegro as the most advanced candidate for EU membership with the presidents and members of the committees for European and foreign affairs of the Senate and the French National Assembly.
As announced by Milatović's office, the French parliamentarians emphasized that Montenegro is the most advanced candidate for membership and an example of successful reforms and commitment to European values in the region.
"They stressed the importance of continuing reforms in the areas of the rule of law, the fight against organized crime and corruption, with the message that Montenegro has a significant role in preserving regional stability," the statement said.
It is stated that the French parliamentarians particularly emphasized the importance of the Regional Center for Strengthening Cyber Capacities of the Western Balkans (WB3C), which France, Montenegro and Slovenia established in Podgorica, evaluating it as an example of concrete cooperation and strengthening the resilience of the region.
Milatović, as stated by his cabinet, thanked France for its continued support for the European perspective of Montenegro and the region, emphasizing that French leadership plays a key role in strengthening the European project - from the European Political Community initiative to the new enlargement methodology, which restores credibility to accession policy.
He said that France has a unique role in shaping enlargement policy, and that Montenegro is ready to be an example of successful membership for the new generation.
"Our goal is to complete negotiations by next year and become a full member by 2028. Montenegro deserves this with its reforms and continuity," said Milatović.
He recalled that Montenegro has opened all negotiation chapters and temporarily closed seven, and that five more are expected to be closed by the end of the year.
As he stated, Montenegro has been a member of NATO since 2017, uses the euro as its official currency and is fully aligned with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Milatović emphasized that with the strong support of France, Montenegro has achieved concrete results in the fight against organized crime, and that it is crucial that institutions are professional, transparent and led by professional and honest people.
"Montenegro's European path is not just a political process, but a new work action of our generation - a joint effort to create a state with strong institutions and a modern society that shares European values," said Milatović.
He added that the story of Montenegro's accession goes beyond national borders, as its entry into the EU would be a positive signal to all candidates that enlargement is possible and achievable.
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