Chapters 2 and 28 temporarily closed

At today's Intergovernmental Conference, Montenegro provisionally closed two chapters - Chapter 2 - Freedom of Movement of Workers and Chapter 28, which relates to consumer protection and health.

This was announced by the Deputy Minister for European Affairs of Cyprus, Marilena Ruena, at a press conference held after the conference.

The number of provisionally closed chapters thus increases to 16, out of a possible 33.

Ruena emphasized that today demonstrates Montenegro's steady progress on its path towards the EU.

"The temporary closure is not just a technical development or achievement. It reflects a constant effort to strengthen institutions and achieve results that improve the lives of Montenegrin citizens," she said, adding that during the Cypriot presidency of the EU, a working group was formed to draft an accession treaty.

Kos: We are already preparing a place for Montenegro in the EU

European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, said that enlargement would not be possible "without the most advanced country in the accession process."

"These last few weeks have shown that Montenegro has made progress. First we had 20 years of independence, then a very successful summit in Tivat. We have closed almost half of the chapters - 16 out of 33," she pointed out.

As she added, they are already preparing a place for Montenegro in the Union.

Kos explained that the European Commission (EC) wants to provide a financial package for Montenegro next week, and that package will show "how it will adapt the EU budget for accession and 2028."

"Now is the time to talk about the upcoming reforms. Progress is very great, but the focus should remain on strengthening the pillars of any successful state - the rule of law, freedom of the media, democratic institutions that support civil society. And of course, on prosperity. It is very important that the negotiation process crosses party lines and is treated as a national priority and one that creates unity, stability for all people in Montenegro," she said.

Kos said that "all political leaders should continue to fight and find a common framework for the EU agenda."

She thanked Cyprus for its support for Montenegro during its presidency, adding that "this gives the Irish presidency the best chance of bringing Montenegro's accession process to a conclusion."

Kos pointed out that "there is also the support of the Pope", who, during his visit to Spain, said that he "encourages them to nurture the EU accession process, which should be a gift of humanity to humanity".

Spajić: Mega Monday

Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić called today "mega-Monday".

"We as Montenegro are very happy to be part of this mega-Monday, super-Tuesday and wonderful Wednesdays to come," he said.

"We are ready to cross the finish line with the same goal," he added.

He pointed out that the number of provisionally closed chapters has almost halved.

"Twenty years of the restoration of independence and the summit in Tivat show our commitment. We are convinced that we are spreading optimism with our example and that we are implementing this momentum into a potential enlargement policy that will show a new perspective for the Western Balkans. Montenegro is not late and does not improvise. We keep our word and deliver results. That is why our plan is as realistic as it is ambitious. By the end of the year, we will close all chapters and do everything to make Montenegro the 28th member," said the Head of Government.

Ruena: Non-papers are proof of the will to make progress; Kos: Montenegro the most advanced candidate

When asked by journalists to comment on the non-papers on enlargement circulating in the media, Ruena said that all the documents are an indicator of the fact that "there is great commitment and will to make progress in the EU area."

"This way, the member states have input on how to achieve enlargement," she said.

Kos said that "without the engagement of leaders, they will not be able to think about what they could do better," but also pointed out that Montenegro will be a full member if it delivers results.

She did not have an answer to the question of how long the integration process could last, because "it is still in the process of discussion among the members."

"This does not apply specifically to Montenegro, but you are the most advanced candidate," she said.

Spajić said that he is "trying to persuade every MP to vote for constitutional changes, not just two-thirds of them."

"It is important that every MP, every party is committed to the rule of law. My mission is to convince them as much as possible," he stressed.