Gorčević: We expect to close two chapters next week

At the Intergovernmental Conference in Luxembourg on June 15, the provisional closure of Chapters 2 - Freedom of Movement of Workers and 28 - Consumer and Health Protection is expected, announced Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević.

She added that this is the result of the dedicated work of the Government and institutions and intensive communication with member states, thanks to which the conditions have been created for two chapters, which have been technically ready for some time, to be officially temporarily closed.

"The dynamics of closing negotiation chapters are proceeding according to plan. All reform activities are coming to an end and I am certain that we can close the remaining 19 negotiation chapters by the end of the year. The fact that these will not be the last chapters closed before the summer break is also encouraging," Gorčević emphasized.

The Minister explained that the benefits for citizens from these two chapters are enormous.

As she pointed out, the closure of negotiating Chapter 2 means greater protection of labor rights in practice, more efficient supervision, and assurance that regulations are consistently applied.

"This chapter brings to our citizens the right to equal access to jobs in the EU without discrimination, employment opportunities in member states without additional administrative barriers, and protection of pension, health and other social rights beyond the borders of Montenegro. It provides our economy with easier access to qualified labor, a more flexible and competitive labor market, and more stable conditions for doing business with EU companies," said Gorčević.

She said that the temporary closure of Chapter 28 will ensure that Montenegrin citizens receive greater protection of their consumer rights and product safety. She stressed that the reforms in this chapter establish clear standards in public health, including disease prevention and control, which increases the safety of citizens.

"We have worked hard for the past three years and the results of our work are now becoming visible through the impact they have on the quality of life of our citizens. These benefits will be even greater if, in this final phase, we join forces and if everyone does their part of the job. That is why I want us all to be united around a common goal at the end of the negotiation process - for Montenegro to become the 28th EU member state by 2028," said Gorčević.

The Minister said that the Government has completed its part of the work, but that the successful finalization of obligations requires synergy between all three branches of government, expressed through clear political will and determination to implement the remaining obligations, especially in the domain of the rule of law, in a quality and timely manner.

"The European Commission and the member states are on our side and are providing us with unreserved support to complete the negotiation process by the end of the year, which was confirmed at the Western Balkans - EU Summit held in Tivat," concluded Gorčević.