The formation of an ad hoc Working Group for the drafting of the Treaty on the Accession of Montenegro to the European Union (EU) is a key priority of the Cypriot presidency, provided that sufficient progress is made in closing the remaining negotiation chapters, announced the Ambassador of Cyprus to Montenegro and Serbia, Andreas Fotiu.
In an interview with the MINA agency, he said that Cyprus, as the presiding state of the Council of the EU, will support Montenegro on its European path by ensuring a fair, transparent and efficient negotiation process, facilitating dialogue among member states and keeping enlargement high on the agenda.
Fotiu recalled that on January 1, Cyprus assumed the presidency of the Council of the EU at a complex geopolitical moment, under the motto "An Autonomous Union, Open to the World".
"The presidency's program puts strategic autonomy at the center, which means that the EU needs to be stronger, more resilient and able to act independently, while at the same time engaging constructively with global partners," Fotiu said.
He emphasized that the focus of the presidency will be on strengthening the EU's security and defense preparedness, competitiveness, the Union's global role through partnerships, preserving the values of human rights and inclusion, and progress in negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework for the period 2028–2034.
“As a small member state with significant regional experience, Cyprus is in a position to act as an honest broker, build bridges and contribute to reaching consensus among member states,” believes Fotiu.
He said that Cyprus sees enlargement as a strategic investment in the long-term stability, security and prosperity of the European Union.
Speaking about the enlargement to the Western Balkans, Fotiu said that the region is an integral part of Europe and that its future lies within the EU, saying that the enlargement must remain based on merit.
"Enlargement must remain credible and merit-based, grounded in real reforms, especially in the areas of the rule of law, democratic institutions and good neighborly relations," the ambassador said.
According to him, a fully integrated Western Balkans region would strengthen the geopolitical weight and economic dynamism of the EU.
Fotiu said that Montenegro has been recognized as the most advanced candidate country in the accession process, and that the progress made in the negotiations so far, including the provisional closure of a significant number of chapters, demonstrates the country's political commitment and administrative capacity.
"After the provisional closure of a significant number of negotiation chapters, we expect further substantial progress in the next six months," Fotiu assessed.
As he pointed out, the final phase of negotiations is always the most demanding.
"Continued focus on the rule of law chapters, effective implementation of reforms and tangible results will be crucial. We encourage the continuation of the reform momentum," Fotiu stressed.
Fotiu assessed Montenegro's ambitious goal of closing all negotiation chapters by the end of this year and becoming an EU member in 2028 as realistic and achievable, provided that reforms continue decisively and with concrete, measurable results.
"As the presiding country, Cyprus will support Montenegro by ensuring a fair, transparent and efficient negotiation process, facilitating dialogue between member states and EU institutions, and keeping enlargement high on the Council's agenda, in full respect of the principle of merit-based progress," said Fotiu.
He pointed out the importance of forming an ad hoc working group to draft the Accession Treaty of Montenegro, assessing it as a key turning point in the process.
"The establishment of this working group for Montenegro is a key priority of our presidency, provided that sufficient progress is made in closing the remaining negotiation chapters, and that all member states are ready to continue the process," said Fotiu.
When it comes to Serbia, Fotiu said that Cyprus strongly supports the country's European perspective, stating that Serbia is "a key partner of the EU and a central actor in the Western Balkans."
"We recognize the efforts Serbia has made in the reform process and encourage continued reforms, especially in the areas of the rule of law, judiciary, media freedom and further alignment with EU policies," the ambassador added.
Commenting on the idea of joint entry of the Western Balkan countries into the EU, recently put forward by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Fotiu stressed that enlargement remains a merit-based process, and that each country is assessed individually.
"During the presidency, we will work to ensure that enlargement remains high on the EU agenda, with a fair assessment of progress based on merit and in line with established criteria. The European path is open, and further progress is certainly possible and achievable with continued political commitment," Fotiu stressed.
As he added, the success of one country can serve as a positive example and catalyst for the entire region.
When asked what the greatest success of the Cypriot presidency would be when it comes to the region, Fotiu said that it would be the renewal and strengthening of trust in the enlargement process through concrete results, maintaining credibility and a clear message that reforms lead to real outcomes.
He said that Cyprus's goal is to advance accession negotiations with countries in the region, deepen the EU's engagement with the Western Balkans, and contribute to greater stability and cooperation in the region.
"The achievement of these important goals will represent a significant and lasting contribution to the European integration process," concluded Fotiu.
Bonus video:
