Zenović: Enlargement brings benefits to the acceding countries, but also to the EU itself

"We have so far viewed the enlargement process only from the perspective of the benefits it brings to the countries joining the EU. Now it is important to show that this process also brings benefits to the Union itself, making it more inclusive and competitive," said Montenegro's chief negotiator with the EU, Predrag Zenović.

As announced by the Ministry of European Affairs (MEP), Zenović today, together with State Secretary at the MEP Biljana Papović, received representatives of the EU Committee of the Senate of the Republic of France.

"The delegation of the Republic of France consisted of Senators Jean-François Rapin, Chairman of the Senate Committee on European Affairs, Didier Marie, Vice-Chairman of the Committee on European Affairs, Amel Gacquerre, Secretary of the Committee on European Affairs, Louis-Jean de Nicolaÿ, Member of the Committee on European Affairs, Michaël Weber, Member of the Committee on European Affairs, Marta de Cidrac, Secretary of the Committee on European Affairs and President of the France-Western Balkans Parliamentary Friendship Group, as well as Xavier Moal, Head of the Service of the Committee on European Affairs and Rébecca Smadja, Deputy Administrator of the Committee on European Affairs. The delegation also included the Ambassador of the Republic of France to Montenegro Anne-Marie Maskay," the statement said.

The MEP added that the interlocutors exchanged opinions on Montenegro's results so far in the negotiation process, current activities and plans for closing all chapters by the end of the year.

Zenović said that with 16 temporarily closed negotiation chapters, Montenegro has closed almost half of the entire negotiating framework in a short time and that the goal is to complete accession negotiations by the end of the year.

"Our strategic and political goal is clear: to close the remaining chapters by the end of 2026 and for Montenegro to become the 28th member of the EU by 2028," said Zenović.

He emphasized that achieving the goals of European integration requires active and coordinated engagement of all three branches of government working together towards a common goal. As he emphasized, the reforms are comprehensive, the Government and the negotiating structure are working dedicatedly in all fields, with the aim of entering the EU as prepared as possible.

Zenović said that special attention is being paid to fulfilling obligations in the area of ​​the rule of law, by redirecting the focus from adopting laws to their implementation and achieving measurable results.

"We have achieved significant results in the judiciary and the fight against corruption and organized crime, and we are actively working to meet all final benchmarks in the coming months and ensure the closure of chapters 23 and 24," said Zenović.

Papović emphasized that France's support for Montenegro's negotiation process is continuously present, both expert and political, with the aim of fulfilling remaining obligations.

As she said, this support is recognized and appreciated by Montenegrin citizens.

"Papović emphasized that the Government, in parallel with its obligations under the rule of law, is also committed to reforms that contribute to economic development, emphasizing that it is precisely the rule of law that offers a legal framework for safer and more certain foreign investments and company operations. Members of the EU Committee of the Senate of the Republic of France welcomed the results achieved by Montenegro in the negotiation process and said that our country can count on their continued support," the MEP statement reads.

The government department added that, when it comes to negotiation chapters, they particularly pointed out the importance of Chapter 27 - Environment, assessing that the role of local communities is very important in this area.

"They also pointed out the importance of good administrative capacities for EU membership and said that it is important to pay special attention to strengthening them in the period leading up to accession to the Union," it concludes.