Milatović: Montenegro's EU membership would be confirmation that enlargement is alive and based on results

Montenegro's membership in the European Union (EU) would be a strong signal to the countries of the Western Balkans that enlargement is possible and that it is a results-based process, said President Jakov Milatović at a meeting with a delegation from the Committee on European Affairs of the French Senate.

Milatović, as announced by his cabinet, discussed with a delegation led by Committee President Jean-François Rapin the European path of Montenegro, the final phase of accession negotiations and the new dynamics of the EU enlargement policy.

Milatović emphasized that France plays an important role in shaping enlargement policy and strengthening the credibility of the European project.

He said that the recent first official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Montenegro is an important confirmation of the friendship between the two countries and support for Montenegro's European path.

Milatović said that Montenegro remains determined to complete negotiations this year and become a full member of the EU by 2028.

"Montenegro has shown that it knows where it belongs. Our European orientation is not a matter of one political moment, but a social consensus, a state strategy and the choice of citizens," said Milatović.

The statement states that during the meeting, the importance of European integration for the stability of the region was also emphasized.

Milatović emphasized that the recently held EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat confirmed that the European perspective of the region is high on the agenda of the Union and its member states.

He also referred to his address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, which is of particular importance for Montenegro, as it represented an opportunity to confirm before the highest democratic forum in Europe that the country is ready to assume the responsibilities of a future member.

"Montenegro's entry into the EU would be a strong signal to the entire Western Balkans that enlargement is alive, possible and based on results. It would be a victory for Montenegro, but also confirmation of the credibility of the Union," Milatović concluded.

Miltović's office said that the meeting represents a continuation of the intensive political dialogue with French parliamentarians, which began during Milatović's visit to France last year, when he discussed European integration and reform processes of Montenegro as the most advanced candidate for EU membership with the chairmen and members of the Committee on European and Foreign Affairs of the Senate and the National Assembly.