Zenović: Montenegro is not only striving for equal membership in the EU, we are actively shaping our place in a united Europe

Montenegro is not only striving for equal membership in the European Union (EU), we are actively shaping our place in a united Europe, contributing to peace, stability and shared prosperity, said Chief Negotiator Predrag Zenović.

The Ministry of European Affairs (MEP) announced that Zenović said this in Tirana, at a meeting of Western Balkan ministers dedicated to the Growth Plan "Our Path to the EU".

The statement added that Zenović presented the results that Montenegro has achieved within the Reform Agenda, emphasizing that they clearly demonstrate our commitment to accelerated integration.

He pointed out that the reforms have a deeply transformative effect.

"By strengthening the judiciary and the rule of law, we are improving the business environment, improving access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises, and building the foundations of a more resilient economy," said Zenović.

The statement says that the Director General of the Directorate for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Gert Jan Kopman, presented the overall results of the region and the findings from the third reporting round.

"He stated that the five adopted reform agendas encompass 251 reform steps, and that, although there are certain challenges, Montenegro has the highest chances for successful implementation of the Reform Agenda - 98%, ahead of Albania (92%), North Macedonia (80%), Kosovo (73%) and Serbia (70%)," the MEPs said.

Zenović said that through the EU Growth Plan, Montenegro has been provided with 383,5 million euros - 110 million in grants, and the rest through soft loans.

"Although the funds are not sufficient to cover all needs, they represent a strong incentive for economic transformation, better governance and modernization of infrastructure," said Zenović.

MEPs said that Zenović also spoke about key activities within the Growth Plan: Montenegro is the first in the region to become part of the SEPA area; the WiFi4WB program brings free internet to 24 municipalities; Green Lanes will accelerate the flow of goods at the borders. In the field of tourism, work is underway on joint branding of the region, while within the framework of the Common Regional Market, barriers are being reduced and procedures are being harmonized. Montenegro is also intensively analyzing the necessary legislative changes in order to abolish roaming in the EU.

Zenović stressed the importance of consistent implementation of reforms and the need for stable, smart and green growth.

"Initiatives are needed that bring citizens' lives closer to EU standards and accelerate economic exchange - within the region and with the EU. Accelerated rapprochement with the EU, attracting investment and strengthening regional stability send a clear message to citizens - that European integration is not just a political process, but a profound economic change that improves the quality of their lives," concluded Zenović.