Kos: No one becomes an EU member without unity at the end of the road, we want Montenegro to be part of this community

No one reaches this stage of the enlargement process without enormous effort, nor does one become a member of the European Union without even greater national determination and unity at the end of that journey.

This was stated by Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, emphasizing that the EU recognizes Montenegro's progress on its European path and has begun drafting the Accession Treaty, as an incentive to accelerate the remaining reforms needed to complete your journey.

"Twenty years ago, you decided to write a new chapter in the long history of Montenegrin statehood. Europe sees what you have built. Europe sees your achievements. Soon you will contribute to the history of the European Union. We will write the next chapters of our common history together. Montenegro's place in the European Union is now taking shape. The preparation of the Treaty on the Accession of Montenegro has already begun. This is a clear recognition of your progress. As well as an incentive to accelerate the remaining reforms needed to complete your journey," she said at the ceremony marking 20 years since the restoration of Montenegro's independence.

She pointed out that, just like independence, EU membership comes with the promise of solidarity and shared responsibility.

"The European Union does not replace statehood. On the contrary, it strengthens the ability of our states to protect citizens, defend their freedoms and create prosperity in a world where no European state alone can fully shape the forces that surround it. Not even our largest members. That is why we know well, especially small states: Together we are stronger. Stronger in defending democracy. Stronger in protecting our security. Stronger in creating economic opportunities. Stronger in preserving our values ​​and way of life in a world increasingly shaped by great powers," said the Commissioner.

Kos emphasized that Europe's strength lies precisely in its diversity and cooperation between different peoples, languages, and traditions.

"We want Montenegro to become part of this fatefully connected community. Not only because it will benefit Montenegro, but because Montenegro's presence will strengthen Europe. This will bring us one step closer to completing our Union," she said in her speech.

Speaking about the European perspective of the region, Kos said that the future of Montenegro and all the countries of the Western Balkans lies in the EU, assessing that a united Europe can help "heal the wounds of the past."

"For me, this moment is deeply personal. When I was growing up, Slovenians and Montenegrins were equal. There were no borders separating us. We studied together, worked together, built friendships together. History took us on different paths. We saw the worst face of humanity. New borders appeared, and each nation had to find its own path. But today, Europe gives us the opportunity to reunite — peacefully, freely, democratically, as equal partners," she said.

Kos pointed out that Montenegro has never been a country waiting for history to happen.

"It has never been a country to which anything is given without merit. Njegoš's famous words are: 'Blessed is he who lives forever, who had the opportunity to grow and be born'. That spirit of freedom and dignity has guided Montenegro through centuries of trials. Today, it will lead it back to its European family," said the European Commissioner.