Zenović with FPN students: Small countries benefit greatly from EU membership

Chief Negotiator Predrag Zenović spoke with students of the Faculty of Political Sciences about key aspects of the European Union accession process.

The lecture was organized by the Ministry of European Affairs within the EU4ME project, funded by the European Union, as part of the "Openly about the EU!" campaign.

As announced by the Ministry of European Affairs, Zenović exchanged opinions with students on topics that often cause confusion and different interpretations, especially regarding the rights and obligations arising from future membership.

"The impact of membership on the position of small states, issues of sovereignty and identity, as well as the decision-making process in the European Union were discussed. The effects of membership on living standards, prices, the position of small producers, the area of ​​migration and other issues of importance to the everyday lives of citizens were also explained. Zenović emphasized that membership in the European Union does not mean the loss of sovereignty, but rather its sharing with other states in areas of common interest, such as trade, energy, agriculture, fisheries and environmental protection. He pointed out that Montenegro will retain full competence in key sectors such as education, culture, social policy, healthcare and a significant part of tax policy," it was announced.

Speaking about the perception that the European Union imposes decisions on member states, Zenović explained that decisions are made jointly, through institutions such as the European Commission, the Council and the European Parliament, in which Montenegro will also have its representatives.

"Our ministers, MPs and experts will participate in decision-making, rule-making, negotiations and voting," said Zenović.

Referring to claims that prices will rise sharply after joining the European Union, he explained that there may be price harmonisation in certain sectors, but that the experiences of other countries show that this is accompanied by growth in wages, investments and overall living standards.

"In the long term, citizens gain greater purchasing power, a more stable market, and a wider choice of products and services," he pointed out.

Zenović also stressed that small states reap significant benefits from membership in the European Union, including faster economic development, access to funds and greater influence in international decision-making processes. He recalled that all member states are equal and that the principle of equality is the foundation of the functioning of the Union.

Special attention was paid to the issue of youth emigration. Zenović pointed out that young people already have the opportunity to study abroad, but that membership in the European Union brings additional opportunities for returning knowledge and experience to the country.

"European funds and investments are creating more opportunities at home, better jobs, support for start-ups and better education. With rising living standards, more and more people will have a reason to stay in Montenegro," said Zenović.

As announced, during the discussion, students showed particular interest in the issues of "brain drain", migration and the position of small states within the European Union, as well as in the way in which membership can affect the preservation of sovereignty and identity.

They also discussed the opportunities that European integration brings to young people through education, professional development and opening new opportunities for career development in Montenegro.