Finland will continue to support Montenegro's efforts to soon join the European family, as its equal member, said Finnish Minister of European Affairs and State Property Management Joakim Strand at a meeting with Montenegrin Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević.
Gorčević, as announced by the Ministry of European Affairs (MEP), was on a working visit to Finland, during which she had several meetings with representatives of the Government and Parliament of that country.
Strand said that they are pleased with the good results and progress that Montenegro is making in all areas on its path towards full membership in the European Union (EU).
"Finland will continue to support your efforts to join us soon in the European family, as its equal member," Strand said.
According to the statement, he pointed out the importance of the results that Montenegro is taking in the area of the rule of law and conveyed Finland's readiness to intensify bilateral cooperation in the area of environmental protection, where that country possesses significant expertise, as well as in other areas of common interest.
Gorčević said that Montenegro is determined to fulfill all obligations from the European agenda by the end of the year and show that it is ready for full membership in the EU.
"Our commitment to reforms reflects the Government's aspiration to provide citizens with a European future, accompanied by a better quality of life," Gorčević stated.
She thanked Strand for Finland's political, technical and expert support to Montenegro's negotiation process, emphasizing that the Government has intensified efforts to close all chapters by the end of the year and ensure internal readiness for membership in 2028.
Gorčević pointed out the importance of both political support from member states and continued financial support from EU funds and programs.
She reportedly emphasized that Montenegro has made the best use of significant funds to improve the situation in various areas, from the rule of law to energy, infrastructure, environment and digitalization, which has enabled the achievement and implementation of European standards in these areas.
At a meeting with members of the Grand Committee of the Parliament of Finland, Gorčević informed the interlocutors about the plans for closing the negotiation chapters and in particular about the obligations in the areas of the rule of law and the environment that the Government is undertaking with the aim of closing these chapters.
The Chairman of the Grand Committee, Sinuhe Valinheimo, said that a parliamentary friendship group between Finland and Montenegro was formed today.
"EU enlargement, as well as Montenegro, which is the most advanced candidate, have the support of both the ruling and opposition parties in the Finnish Parliament," said Valinheimo.
The members of the Grand Committee, as stated in the statement, welcomed the results of the reforms achieved by Montenegro, emphasizing their belief that the country's membership will chart the European path for other countries in the region and positively influence the stability and progress of the Western Balkans.
During meetings with State Secretary for EU Affairs in the Prime Minister's Office Mina Kivimaki and State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defense Pasi Rajal, Gorčević discussed further strengthening bilateral cooperation and exchange of experiences in the field of EU integration, digital transformation, green transition and strengthening institutional capacities.
"The interlocutors expressed their willingness to improve expert cooperation and intensify communication between the competent institutions of the two countries, with the aim of more efficient implementation of reforms and continuation of Montenegro's successful European path," the MEP statement said.
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