The formation of a working group to draft a treaty on Montenegro's accession to the European Union (EU) is an important signal and message that the country is on the right track, and that the EU will fulfill its promise that all 27 members will support Montenegro.
This was announced at the opening of the 25th meeting of the EU-Montenegro Stabilization and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAC) in Strasbourg.
POSP Co-Chair Thomas Weiss recalled that Montenegro had temporarily closed 14 chapters, stating that many remained open, but that the fact that they were open did not mean that progress was not being made.
"Many of these chapters are in the final stages and it still seems possible to complete them by the end of the year or early next year," Weiss said.
He thanked the Cypriot presidency of the EU Council for the decision to form a group to draft the accession treaty.
"It's a formal act, but I've been working on enlargement in the European Parliament (EU) for nine years, and it's an important signal that all member states have agreed and it's a good indication that Montenegro is on the right track, but also that we in the EU are on the right track to fulfilling the promise that all 27 members support Montenegro," Weiss said.
He stressed that it is important to ensure the completion of electoral reform by the end of the year.
"A lot has been done, but the finalization of this reform is needed, and in all democracies this should be done with as much consensus as possible. I am convinced that you are making an effort to do so," Weiss added.
He said that Montenegro has enormous support in the EP, the European Council and the European Commission in its EU accession.
Weiss said he hopes the upcoming election campaigns will not affect the passage of the necessary laws.
The Head of the Delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro to the POSP, Dejan Đurović, said that Montenegro remains the most advanced candidate in the EU integration process.
He said that the 14 provisionally closed chapters and the latest results achieved during this year clearly show that the negotiation process is continuously progressing.
"These results confirm the institutional commitment and ability of the state to respond to demanding standards," said Đurović, emphasizing that the next phase will be the most demanding.
As he stated, it is precisely in this context that the role of the Parliament gains additional importance.
"The adoption of quality, harmonized and enforceable laws directly affects the fulfillment of final benchmarks and the dynamics of closing negotiation chapters. Parliament can be a strong driver of reforms when there is political will and consensus," said Đurović, adding that the oversight role of the Parliament is equally important.
According to him, it is necessary to further strengthen the consensus of all political actors around the European agenda, and European integration must remain a common goal above daily political differences.
"I am convinced that our country will continue to lead the accession process. 2028 is the year when we should finish everything," Đurović emphasized.
Montenegro's chief negotiator with the EU, Predrag Zenović, said that Montenegro is entering the most decisive phase of EU accession.
"Montenegro is maintaining a strong momentum in negotiations, strengthening its reform efforts, with a focus on achieving measurable results in practice," Zenović said.
He said that for the first time since 2009, a working group has been formed to draft an accession treaty, which, according to Zenović, marks a key stage in the final phase of accession, where membership is not just an aspiration, but a realistic goal.
"Montenegro is the leader among the candidates, 14 chapters have been closed - a third has been completed, which shows not only a high level of institutional readiness, but also a strong social and political consensus on the European path," said Zenović.
He emphasized that the Parliament has a key role in the accession process.
"The legislative process is at the heart of the negotiations. The EU is a deeply democratic project, it is crucial to adopt laws, strengthen the partnership between the Parliament and the Government, in order to maintain the continuity of reforms," said Zenović.
He said that the rule of law is the backbone of the accession process, and that visible progress has been made, with clear efforts to complete remaining obligations within the deadlines.
Zenović said that Montenegro is consistent in the fight against corruption and organized crime, adding that with the election of the director of the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption, the fight against corruption will be even stronger.
Speaking about the fight against organized crime, he stated that it is a key component of Chapter 24 and that there has been an increase in the number of investigations and convictions.
As Zenović said, Montenegro has also made progress in the fight against human smuggling, and activities in Chapter 27 have also been intensified.
"The Natura 2000 national campaign has begun, and public consultations have also begun. If we maintain this pace, the Government will adopt the Natura 2000 proposal and submit it in June," Zenović said.
He said that Montenegro is not only making strong progress towards membership, but is entering the final phase of the accession process with determination, credibility and self-confidence.
Kristina Cika, representing the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, said that progress on enlargement is a key priority of the presidency.
"Montenegro is a leader, your speed and commitment to reforms show that progress can be achieved with determination and commitment. The 14 closed chapters are confirmation of the political will in Montenegro. We encourage you to continue at this pace and I hope that we will close more chapters during the Cypriot presidency," said Cika.
As she stated, the reforms should ensure the professionalism and independence of the judiciary.
Cika emphasized that Montenegro's progress shows the world and the region that enlargement is working and that reforms are bringing results.
The Head of the Department for Montenegro and BiH, Barbara Hesus Jimeno, said that Montenegro is firmly continuing on its path towards the EU.
"Montenegro is leading the way towards the EU and has set a very strong example for other countries in the region. Next month, we expect further progress, with the aim of provisionally closing chapters 2 and 28, and we hope to have two more chapters for provisional closure," said Jimeno.
As she stated, the level of progress in Montenegro's accession is something that has not been seen since Croatia's accession, and it is the result of political will and strong work in Montenegro.
"The EU will fulfill its promise, that is the message of the establishment of the working group for drafting the accession treaty," said Jimeno, adding that accession negotiations will continue to be based on work and merit, and that progress will have to go hand in hand with the expected reforms and harmonisation with European standards.
She said that Montenegro should focus on three things - to maintain the pace of reforms or even accelerate them, to focus on the rule of law, while the third focus should be on improving society's support for EU membership.
Himeno emphasized that EU accession is a state project that includes all citizens and that it is important for the entire society to feel empowered in this way.
"The relations between political parties and civil society, after the adoption of the ANB Law, all of this shows that accession must be accepted by everyone, and not just be a priority for parties," said Himeno.
Clay Rumbold from the EP's External Relations Service said that the role of MEPs in the Assembly is crucial for building synergies that will strengthen dialogue and accelerate reforms.
"Montenegro has a historic opportunity to join the EU in 2028, which will not only be an inspiration to other countries, but also a confirmation that the process is based on merit," said Rumbold.
He said that synergy is needed in relations between the Prime Minister and the state, especially when it comes to appointments and upcoming legislative work.
Rumbold stated that, as the moment of accession and elections in Montenegro approaches, everyone must be vigilant regarding malicious external influences.
Bulgarian MEP Tsvetelina Penkova said that they want to show that the integration of Montenegro is of great strategic importance, from the perspective of the state, but also from the perspective of the EU.
"Congratulations on the progress in recent months, on closing seven more chapters in a short period of time, that is a very good achievement. It clearly maintains Montenegro's commitment to EU values and reforms," Penkova said.
She stated that the integration of Montenegro is crucial for regional stability and the stability of Europe.
EP Special Rapporteur for Montenegro Marjan Šarec said that Montenegro is approaching its ultimate goal - EU accession.
"It is very important that we all continue our work, with this momentum. And everyone on the team, we will do everything in our power to help Montenegro, and not just point out what is not working," said Šarec.
PES MP Seid Hadžić said that Montenegro is special because of its diverse identities, and that is why European integration is an opportunity to advance the rights of indigenous national minorities.
"We have the opportunity to ensure their better representation at all levels of government through amendments to the electoral law. This way we can create a more just society," said Hadžić.
He stated that the reforms aim to build a society based on the rule of law.
Hadžić said that the fight against crime and corruption continues even more decisively.
MP from the Democratic Party of Socialists, Ivan Vuković, thanked the MEPs and other institutions for their strong and continuous support in the process of Montenegro's accession to the EU.
"Regarding the decision to establish a working group to draft the accession treaty, it is a historic event and thank you for not giving up on us," said Vuković.
According to him, apart from technical work related to the transposition of EU legislation, there is not much happening in Montenegro at the moment that would indicate that our country could soon join the EU.
"On the contrary, our statesmen claim to be working on consensus, while the opposition is completely excluded from the process. They say that we should all unite for this goal, while they smear the opposition. While reminding us that the entire society is joining the EU, they only target the main NGOs and independent media, while discussing the fundamental principles and values of the EU, they call anyone who criticizes their practices a criminal, pro-Russian and anti-European," said Vuković.
He asked European partners not to "turn a blind eye" to negative political trends in Montenegro.
Austrian MEP Reinhard Lopatka said that the common goal is to see Montenegro in the EU after a long period without enlargement.
"I ask you to continue with reforms, this is very important, especially when it comes to the principles of the rule of law," said Lopatka.
He emphasized that it must be felt that the Government, the opposition and civil society are all sending the same signals – that they are committed to accession and that they see the country's future in Europe.
"It is a very important step that last week EU member states established a working group to draft an accession treaty," said Lopatka.
MEP Vladimir Prebilič said that the start of drafting the accession treaty is a very positive signal.
"This is important and shows that merit-based enlargement can work and is possible. Montenegro has worked hard to get to this point," Prebilič said.
He said that reforms must now be accelerated and momentum turned into results.
"For this to happen, all segments must work on it, the Government and the Parliament must play their role. EU accession cannot belong to one party or coalition, but belongs to the entire society," said Prebilič.
He stressed that the 2027 parliamentary elections should be held in an orderly, democratic manner in accordance with European standards.
"Montenegro's accession must be a priority and must proceed quickly and seriously in order for the process to progress," said Prebilič.
Albanian Forum MP Artan Çobi said that minorities in Montenegro are the strongest pillar of the European and Euro-Atlantic orientation.
"Our support for the European path is a deep conviction that the European system guarantees long-term stability and the rights of national minorities," said Čobi.
He stated that today they are discussing key chapters - 23, 24 and 27.
Čobi said that Montenegro is a pioneer in the enlargement process in the Western Balkans and that its every progress sends a signal to the entire region.
"Our accession is also in the interest of the EU, in order to ensure the continued stability of this part of the continent in a complex context," concluded Çobi.
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