Gorčević: Every law and every reform is being developed in cooperation with the European Commission and experts from member states

Montenegro's progress represents an important signal for the Western Balkans region and further strengthens the credibility of the European Union's (EU) enlargement policy, it was announced at a meeting between Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević and a delegation from the EU Committee of the Austrian Federal Council.

The delegation, led by Committee Chair Bernadette Geieregger, is paying an official visit to Montenegro as part of the ongoing dialogue and exchange of experiences in the field of European integration.

As announced by the Ministry of European Affairs (MEP), the visit was an opportunity to discuss the final phase of the accession process and the next steps towards EU membership.

During the meeting, as it was added, special attention was paid to the dynamics of closing negotiation chapters and the Treaty on the Accession of Montenegro to the EU.

"On that occasion, Austria's continued support for Montenegro's European path was highlighted, with the assessment that the final steps are the most demanding, but also crucial for the successful completion of the negotiations," the statement said.

Gorčević assessed that since the election of the 44th Government, a new dynamic of negotiations has been established, with a clear focus on results and accelerated closure of chapters.

She emphasized the importance of obtaining the IBAR, which she marked as a turning point in the European integration process, as well as the recent approval of the formation of the Working Group for the drafting of the Treaty on the Accession of Montenegro to the EU.

"This is a clear signal that we are entering the final phase of the European path, in which, in parallel with the closing of the negotiation chapters, the Accession Treaty is being prepared as a legal and technical confirmation of the entire negotiation process," Gorčević stated.

She emphasized that the closing of the chapter represents a profound transformation of the state through the strengthening of the overall system in line with European standards.

In this context, she emphasized that all processes are being carried out in close cooperation with the European Commission and member states, including Austria, whose expert support has concrete and practical value in implementing reforms.

"We know what we need to do and we have shown that we are a reliable partner. Every law and every reform is being done in cooperation with the European Commission and experts from member states," said Gorčević.

She also emphasized that EU membership is primarily a question of values, stability and quality of life.

"Membership in the Union is not just a matter of financial support, but above all values, the rule of law, stability and quality of life. These are the standards that the citizens of Montenegro clearly want," said Gorčević.

She emphasized that Montenegro is taking an active and constructive role in the European integration process, not only as a candidate, but as a partner contributing to common European policies.

"Montenegro does not see itself only as a beneficiary of European policies, but as an active participant in their creation and implementation. Our contribution is reflected in the stability, reliability and important geostrategic potential that we bring to the Western Balkans region," said Gorčević.

Speaking about the end of the process, Gorčević said that Montenegro's European path is clear and irreversible, with full commitment to meeting all criteria.

"We have no backup plan, our path is European. We are confident in our capacities and determined to fulfill all the criteria, so that we can enter the EU ready, stable and as an equal partner," said Gorčević.

During the meeting, representatives of the Austrian delegation emphasized their support for Montenegro's European path and assessed that the country is making visible progress in the final phase of the negotiation process.

They stated that Austria strongly supports Montenegro's European path and recognizes the progress made in the final phase of negotiations.

Representatives of the Austrian delegation, as reported by the MEP, said that Montenegro shows consistent commitment to reforms and a clear European orientation.

They stated that they expect the next steps to be successfully implemented in accordance with the dynamics of the enlargement process.

"The interlocutors agreed that Montenegro's progress represents an important signal for the Western Balkans region and further strengthens the credibility of the EU's enlargement policy," the statement concluded.