The European Union Ambassador to Montenegro, Johan Sattler, said that the first message of the European Commission's report is that this has been a successful year for Montenegro's EU path.
At a press conference on the occasion of the presentation of the report on Montenegro's progress towards the EU, he said that the coming year will be crucial, especially in the rule of law, implementation of the recommendations of the Venice Commission, strengthening the fight against corruption and organized crime...
Satler said that the EU stands firmly with Montenegro with strong support and clear expectations.
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Sattler said that this is the best report the EC has given on Montenegro so far.
He pointed out that 2026 will be an important year for Montenegro.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said that this year's report is the most positive so far and a confirmation that national priorities and other issues have been worked on with dedication.
He pointed out that the path of reform is not easy, but that results come when there is a clear goal.
"The report also points to the challenges we must address. I see the recommendations from Brussels as a roadmap for the Government, Parliament...", he said.
The Montenegrin Prime Minister emphasized that four chapters from last year's report have been closed, and the EC's report notes progress in 18 chapters.
He said that visa policy is an example of a complex decision that a state must take.
When it comes to the economy, he said that they are working intensively on creating a business environment and a new economic identity for the country.
He also praised the role of the opposition on the path towards the EU.
Spajić, responding to journalists' questions about the election of the director of the Public Service Broadcasting Service, which was noted in the report, said that the executive branch does not have such an influence on the public service.
"There are also judicial instances," he pointed out.
Regarding visa policy, he said that a period of harmonization with the EU in that area is coming, which he will discuss with those countries.
Sattler said that Montenegro joined the Convention on Common Transport Procedures, which, as he said, is the second major achievement that has occurred in the previous period.
He said that the next big step is for Montenegro to have free roaming with EU countries.
"Nikšić has been chosen as the Capital of Culture, and it is the third city in the Western Balkans to ever receive that title," the EU Ambassador emphasized.
Sattler pointed out that the good news is that Montenegro has made significant progress in readiness.
"The report also points to weaknesses... It states a decisive step towards electoral reform... You have achieved a cross-party consensus that has allowed the reform to be implemented," Satler said.
He stressed that there are still several things that need to be completed, stating that the country has overcome the constitutional and institutional crisis.
Satler said that the report notes good progress in Chapter 23, while good results have been achieved in Chapter 24.
"The state needs to ensure stability in the police by appointing full-time leaders. The legislative and institutional framework has been established, but a new Law on the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms is needed. Montenegro has maintained full compliance with the EU's foreign and security policy. Keep it up," Satler stressed.
He stressed that Montenegro needs to find solutions to overcome open issues with Croatia.
He said they hope for rapid progress when it comes to appointing judges, members of the Judicial and Prosecutorial Councils, and the Vice Governor of the Central Bank.
"It is important not to lose sight of the goal. The coming year is particularly important for Montenegro. You will have two major summits. This is a great chance for you and an opportunity to show what you can bring to the European table," Sattler emphasized.
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