"Our strategic goal remains firm and unambiguous — to become the 28th member state of the European Union by 2028 - in this sense, we continue to diligently and consistently adhere to the established framework and obligations, with the clear goal of fulfilling the final benchmarks and closing all negotiation chapters by the end of 2026," said Montenegro's chief negotiator with the EU, Predrag Zenović, as announced by the Ministry of European Affairs.
He participated in the 25th meeting of the European Union-Montenegro Stabilization and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAP) in Strasbourg, where he spoke about relations between the European Union and Montenegro and the state of accession negotiations.
As they said, Zenović said that Montenegro has maintained a strong and consistent negotiation momentum over the past period, and has intensified reform efforts with the aim of achieving tangible and measurable results in practice. He said that Montenegro is at a historically important moment and called for the unity of all branches of government and the civil sector, with the aim of successful integration into the EU.
"Montenegro remains the most advanced candidate country with all negotiation chapters open, of which 14 are provisionally closed. The formation of the Working Group for the drafting of the Accession Treaty marks a key transition to the final phase of the accession process in which membership is no longer just a strategic aspiration, but a realistic, credible and achievable outcome in the foreseeable future," said Zenović.
He said that in the key area of the rule of law, visible progress has been achieved, through a significantly increased level of implementation of obligations under Chapters 23 and 24, where the country continues to build credible success in the area of the judiciary, the fight against corruption and organized crime, and the protection of human rights, thus confirming, both in principle and in practice, that no one is above the law.
Zenović also said that Montenegro remains firmly and unequivocally committed to reforms in the field of environment and climate change, with continued intensification of activities within Chapter 27.
The Chief Negotiator said that strengthening the partnership between the Government and the Parliament is crucial for ensuring the continuity and irreversibility of reforms. In this regard, he emphasized the importance of the Parliament's Resolution adopted in March this year, which defines EU integration as the absolute and comprehensive priority of the state.
"With the continued support of our European partners and through the joint, coordinated and unwavering efforts of all institutions, we are fully confident that we will successfully complete this final phase and achieve our strategic goal — full membership in the European Union by 2028," concluded Zenović.
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