The debate on the wastewater treatment plant should be based on facts, not rumors or the thoughts of political opponents who would like the project to fail, said European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.
In an interview with Television of Montenegro, she said that harmonization with European Union (EU) environmental standards is very important.
"This also means collecting and treating wastewater. This also means that the voices of those who are concerned are heard," Kos said, according to the RTCG Portal.
She pointed out that it is very important to stick to the facts.
"There has been a lot of misinformation, but the debate should be based on facts, documentation, permits, and not on rumors or the thoughts of political opponents who would like the project to fail. That's why I believe you will be able to find a solution to this," Kos said.
Speaking about Montenegro's European integration, she pointed out that the country has delivered results, which led to the closure of five negotiation chapters.
"You have been working hard all along and the opinion of the European Commission (EC) was that Montenegro should close five chapters. However, the chapters are temporarily closed and it is not the end until everything is completed. This has helped a lot and I can assure you that you have great support. I don't know if everyone is happy that Montenegro is the leading country, but you really are," said Kos.
She believes that it is possible to achieve the goal – for Montenegro to join the EU in 2028, but that "it is up to us."
"You have a lot of work next year, and it is feasible. The EC will support you, but Montenegro must implement all reforms," Kos said.
She stated that once the accession treaty is drafted, member states must ratify it.
"It is necessary to complete the remaining chapters. Ideally, all chapters would be closed by November next year," Kos stressed.
According to her, the EC must start creating the contract as early as spring.
"We are already ready and have started working on the Draft Accession Treaty, and that will then be discussed among the member states. If you have to be fast, then we have to be even faster," Kos stated.
She added that she would be happiest if all Western Balkan countries could become part of the EU at the same time, but that, she said, is not possible, because EU accession is a merit-based process.
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