Montenegro is almost ready for membership in the European Union (EU) and should not be tied to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's plan to grant observer status to candidate countries, said State Minister for Europe at the German Foreign Ministry, Gunter Krichbaum.
At a joint press conference with the Ministers of European Affairs of Montenegro and France, Maida Gorčević and Benjamin Adad in Podgorica, he said that Montenegro is a leader in the European integration process compared to all other Western Balkan countries and that, with the level of will, the final conditions for membership could be met by the end of this year.
"That will depend on the state, but it will also depend on all those involved in politics here, because these are not just the government's affairs, but the opposition also has a responsibility," said Krichbaum.
He emphasized that the European integration process is an investment in future generations.
"We are doing this for our children. In this way, we are creating a united Europe, which is especially important in these times," said Krichbaum, who praised Montenegro's engagement during its chairmanship of the Berlin Process, assessing that this format contributes to the stabilization of the entire Western Balkans region.
According to him, the joint visit of the French and German ministers to Montenegro represents a clear political signal of support for the European path.
"We would like to invite your country, Montenegro, to join the European club as soon as possible," said Krichbaum.
Responding to a journalist's question as to whether Chancellor Friedrich Merz's initiative means that Montenegro is seen as the next EU member or that observer status is being proposed, Krichbaum emphasized that "the ultimate destination is full EU membership."
According to him, the proposal relates to the enlargement methodology and the way the European Union conducts accession negotiations with candidate countries.
"Negotiations often take a very long time. We saw this in the example of Croatia, where they lasted more than eight years. In such circumstances, citizens sometimes lose patience and begin to believe that the European Union does not really want them," said Krihbaum.
He assessed that the European acquis today is significantly more complex than before and that it sets increasingly demanding conditions for candidate countries.
"We need to change our approach and instead of high barriers, create a kind of staircase that would allow countries to progress step by step," Krihmaum said.
He explained that the possibility of countries that meet certain criteria being granted observer status in certain European institutions before formal membership is being considered.
"Why not allow countries that meet certain conditions observer status in the European Council or the European Parliament? It doesn't cost a single euro, but it sends a clear message to Russia, China and other countries that these countries belong to the EU," said Krichbaum.
He emphasized that these ideas primarily relate to countries whose accession process will take longer, warning that the European Union must offer a credible perspective of membership in order not to lose the support of the citizens of the candidate countries.
"Don't tie Montenegro to the content of this letter because Montenegro is almost ready (for membership). I think the remaining work can be completed by the end of the year," Krihbaum said.
He believes that all obligations could be completed by the end of the year, followed by the closure of all negotiation chapters and the ratification process of the Accession Treaty.
"This means that Montenegro has progressed more than other candidate countries," concluded Krichbaum.
Adad said that his visit to Podgorica, together with his German counterpart, confirms strong Franco-German unity and joint European support for Montenegro's accession to the EU.
He congratulated Montenegro on what he said were "rapid and fundamental reforms", recalling that the country has already closed 14 negotiation chapters and that preparations are underway to form a working group to draft the Accession Treaty.
Adad assessed that EU enlargement represents the "reunification of the European family" and is of key importance for stability and peace on the European continent.
"EU enlargement could be called the reunification of the European family. It is of crucial importance for stability and peace on the European continent, it represents a geopolitical necessity, but also a significant economic opportunity for countries like Montenegro," said Adad.
He stressed that the accession process will continue to be based on results, adoption of the European acquis, the rule of law, protection of minorities and institutional balance.
"We see that a lot of work is being done in Montenegro. France, Germany, the European Commission and member states want to accompany Montenegro on this path," Adad pointed out.
Speaking about the broader geopolitical context, Adad assessed that the European project remains attractive despite global crises and rivalries, but that much work must be done to reform the EU, making it more competitive, independent and stronger.
"When you see Montenegro and many other countries trying so hard to join this European family, it speaks to the aspiration and attractiveness of the European project. I believe that the EU has very good days ahead," said Adad.
Gorčević pointed out that the visit comes in the week when Montenegro hosts the EU-Western Balkans summit in Tivat, which represents an additional opportunity for discussions on enlargement policy and the country's European perspective.
"France and Germany are two key countries for enlargement policy and two key countries if we are talking about Montenegro's future in the EU," said Gorčević.
She thanked France for its support during a recent visit to Paris, where Montenegrin officials spoke with President Emmanuel Macron, Haddad, as well as representatives of the French Parliament and Senate.
"We discussed the ratification of the Accession Treaty, but we also look forward to signing an action plan for strategic communication regarding the connection between Montenegro and France in a few days," said Gorčević.
She also thanked Germany for its continued support, especially in the year when Montenegro presides over the Berlin Process.
"I think it is very important for Montenegro to be recognized as a serious and reliable partner, but also someone who can help regional gathering on various topics," the minister said.
She particularly emphasized the importance of expert assistance that Montenegro receives from the German development agency GIZ, the German government and the European Commission.
"We receive all the expertise, laws and strategies that we receive through GIZ so that we can complete this work in the next few months," said Gorčević.
According to her, the Government's priorities remain reforms, strengthening the rule of law, and closing all negotiation chapters by the end of the year.
"Montenegro's focus remains on reforms, it remains on the rule of law, it remains on closing negotiation chapters by the end of this year in order to fulfill our goal, or rather our main geostrategic goal, which is full membership in 2028," she said.
Gorčević singled out the formation of an ad hoc working group for drafting the accession treaty as one of the more important steps, stating that the initiative has already received full support from France and Germany.
"Communication regarding the drafting of the accession treaty has only just begun, so we will have more information in the coming months. This implies political support from all member states, greater visibility for Montenegro and more intensive communication with all partners so that we can ultimately have a success story when it comes to enlargement policy," concluded Gorčević.
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