Only Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović has had direct communication with French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the closing of Chapters 11 and 13 in Montenegro's negotiations with the European Union (EU), announced today Nebojša Vuksanović, Milatović's advisor for domestic policy and economic development.
"The closure of negotiation chapters 11 and 13 represents an important success for Montenegro on its European path and an incentive to continue reforms even more strongly. In order to objectively inform the public, it is important to point out the circumstances that preceded the decision. During the deliberations in the working bodies of the Council of the European Union, according to information from the process, French representatives gave a negative opinion on the closure of these two chapters. Bearing in mind that in practice, ministerial decisions are most often made in accordance with the recommendations of these bodies, there was a real danger that the chapters would not be closed," Vuksanović stressed in a statement.
He added that at the initiative of the Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, Milatović personally, through direct communication with Macron, initiated a review of the French side's position at the highest level.
"It was precisely this presidential communication that contributed to France, after consultations, giving the green light to close Chapters 11 and 13. This confirms the importance of timely and responsible communication at the highest level when it comes to strategic state interests. It is also important to clarify that, within Montenegrin institutions, only the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, has had direct communication with the President of France regarding this issue," said Vuksanović.
According to him, the progress achieved is a success for the state of Montenegro and all those who are dedicated to fulfilling European obligations.
"We face new challenges, which is why it is necessary for the Government of Montenegro and all institutions to focus on essential reforms and concrete results, and less on political spin. On the other hand, the President of Montenegro and his Cabinet have once again shown that they are strong and reliable in achieving their strategic goal, Montenegro's membership in the European Union by 2028," said Vuksanović.
Milatović announced earlier today that he had a friendly and constructive exchange with Macron over the past two days, after which, he said, Montenegro will close all five chapters in negotiations with the EU at the next Intergovernmental Conference.
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"Vijesti" announced yesterday that the chances of Montenegro closing all five planned chapters on Tuesday have increased significantly, after intensive diplomatic activities between representatives of the European Union (EU) member states that are advocating for Montenegro's speedy accession, and Podgorica on the one hand and Paris on the other.
The French side has indicated to Podgorica that it will give the green light to two chapters that it blocked yesterday at the sessions of the EU Council bodies - the Council Working Group (COELA) and the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Member States (COREPER II). These are chapters 11 (Agriculture and Rural Development) and 13 (Fisheries).
Milatović wrote to Macron the day before yesterday, seeking political support for closing all five chapters, "Vijesti" has learned.
According to unofficial information from the editorial office, Milatović did this at the initiative of the Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, that is, after she informed him that Paris had decided to block the closure of two chapters.
At the same time, representatives of the Government, led by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, held diplomatic activities with representatives of member states.
According to unofficial information from "Vijesti", Spajić was in communication with Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
On Friday, without prior announcements or hints, France stopped Podgorica from closing two chapters in negotiations with Brussels.
According to unofficial information from "Vijesti", the French claimed at the sessions of these bodies that two chapters were not ready for "ticking" and that they were not sufficiently harmonized with the EU acquis, without, however, stating specific reasons for their position.
France's decision can be changed at the ministerial level (ministers of foreign affairs or European affairs within the EU General Affairs Council), where the final decision on (not) closing the chapter will be made on December 16th.
Three chapters received the green light last night in Brussels - 3 (Right of establishment and freedom to provide services), 4 (Free movement of capital) and 6 (Commercial law).
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