Montenegro is today closer to membership in the European Union (EU) than ever before, and Ireland is ready to strongly support the continuation of its accession process during its presidency of the Council of the EU - said the Irish non-resident ambassador to Montenegro, Kevin Colgan.
In an interview with "Vijesti", he said that Ireland has always been a strong advocate of EU enlargement and that they see the process as a key expression of their values and as an investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity across Europe.
Kolgan said that Montenegro is undoubtedly the main favorite to be the next country to join the EU, that "there is real momentum" and that he believes this is encouraging not only for Montenegro, but also for the enlargement process itself.
He pointed out that Montenegro has already completed a huge part of the legislative work needed to align with the EU acquis, including the key constitutional amendments adopted last week (in draft form).
He assessed that it was very positive to see that EU membership had become a common national goal, regardless of political divisions, adding that it would be "important for Montenegro to build on that unity by implementing additional key reforms as it approaches the final phase of the accession process."
What will be the priorities of the Irish presidency of the Council of the EU?
Ireland is honoured to hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the eighth time. We take on this responsibility at a time when Europe faces significant geopolitical, economic and security challenges. During the Presidency, we will act impartially, as an honest broker between Member States. Our work will be focused on the general interests and needs of the Union, its members and citizens across Europe.
Our presidency will focus on three closely linked priorities: competitiveness, values and security. Through the competitiveness agenda, we will strengthen the single market, remove barriers to internal trade, help European companies and SMEs expand across the continent and improve their access to finance to enable them to grow. We will guide the Council's work on implementing the "One Europe, One Market" Roadmap and making decisive progress by 2026. We will work with partners to achieve the goals set out in that roadmap.
When it comes to security, we know that no single country can respond to all existing and emerging security challenges alone. The Irish Presidency will actively contribute to the further development of the EU's security and defence policy.
Through a focus on values, we will ensure respect for fundamental rights and pay special attention to those who need protection the most. Our values will be the foundation of the Presidency. We will work to uphold the rule of law across the EU and in candidate countries, with a particular focus on strengthening the resilience of European democracies. We see the enlargement process as a key expression of our values and as an investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity across Europe.
The motto of our presidency is “Ní neart go cur le chéile” - “Strength is in unity”. It reflects our belief that Europe's strength comes from acting together, especially in challenging times.
Does Montenegro have Ireland's support in the EU accession process? What is the mood among Irish citizens when it comes to enlargement?
Ireland has always been a strong supporter of the enlargement of the Union. We held the EU Presidency in 2004, during the historic “big bang” of enlargement, when ten countries joined the Union. We see the enlargement process as a key expression of our values and as an investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity across Europe. We welcome the renewed momentum for enlargement policy across the European Union, particularly following the successful EU-Western Balkans Summit.
Candidate countries have implemented significant reforms, while Member States increasingly recognise the strategic importance of a stable, prosperous and fully integrated Europe. Of course, accession must remain a merit-based process. Progress depends on reforms, their implementation and the fulfilment of agreed criteria. The Irish Presidency will work to maintain this momentum and support countries that have made great efforts to progress on their European path.
Montenegro has made significant progress and is currently the most advanced candidate in the accession process. The Irish Presidency has made it clear that we stand ready to assist Montenegro’s accession in any way possible. There is broad public support for the EU in Ireland, and around 80% of citizens continue to support our long-standing membership. During more than 50 years of membership, the EU has been essential to peace and prosperity on our island. We have benefited enormously from membership. Our society, influence and economy have been transformed. That is why we want others to benefit as we have, provided they implement the necessary reforms.
How do you assess the dynamics of Montenegro's accession to the EU? Is it realistic for all chapters to be closed by the end of this year, so that membership can be achieved in 2028?
Montenegro is undoubtedly the frontrunner to be the next candidate country to join the EU. There is real momentum, and I think that is encouraging not only for Montenegro, but also for the enlargement process itself. We support Montenegro's ambition to close all negotiation chapters by the end of the year. There is still a lot of hard work ahead, but we believe that this is possible if Montenegro continues to deliver as it has done so far. The EU has always made it clear that accession is a merit-based process. Where reforms are implemented, progress should be recognised. This is important for the credibility of the enlargement policy.
Ireland has consistently supported EU enlargement because we believe it makes Europe stronger, more secure and more prosperous. We know from our own experience how transformative EU membership can be and we believe that others deserve to benefit from the same benefits we have, provided they make the necessary efforts. During the Irish Presidency, we want to maintain the current momentum. We will work closely with our European partners to ensure that enlargement remains a priority and that countries making real progress, such as Montenegro, continue to advance on the European path.
As for 2028, the final decision lies with all EU Member States and will depend on whether Montenegro meets all the agreed criteria. However, there is no doubt that Montenegro is closer to membership today than ever before, and Ireland sincerely hopes that this progress will continue.
Where do you see the main problems in Montenegro's accession process? Is it organized crime and corruption or the lack of agreement between the government and the opposition on key issues...?
Montenegro has already completed a large part of the legislative work required to align with the EU acquis, including key constitutional amendments adopted last week (in draft form ed.). Accession to the EU requires the support of the whole of society and it was very positive to see that membership of the Union has become a shared national goal, regardless of political divisions. It will be important for Montenegro to build on this unity by implementing additional key reforms as it approaches the final phase of the accession process.
Ireland believes that the EU is first and foremost based on a set of values, and “values” is one of the three pillars of our presidency, along with competitiveness and security. It is natural for EU members to want to be joined by countries that share our core values, including democracy, equality, human rights and the rule of law.
These fundamental common values permeate all the Union's activities, are enshrined in law and accepted by each Member State. They include an independent judiciary, continued progress in the fight against corruption and organised crime, and strong and accountable institutions. These are not just technical requirements, but issues of fundamental importance for citizens' trust in public institutions.
It is increasingly being suggested that Montenegro's new accession treaty could become a model for future members. Could the new approach include additional safeguards, transitional arrangements or a gradual introduction of membership rights? Do you think Montenegro should agree to this? When do you expect the accession treaty to be finalised?
Ireland was among the strongest advocates for the establishment of an ad hoc working group to draft Montenegro's accession treaty and we welcomed the agreement to set it up in April. The establishment of this working group demonstrates how far Montenegro has progressed on its path to EU membership. It is the first time that the EU has engaged in the preparation of an accession treaty since the start of work on the treaty that led to Croatia's accession to the Union in 2013, and Ireland is pleased to be leading this work during its Presidency.
Reaching this milestone is an exciting development and shows that the EU and its Member States are preparing to complete Montenegro's accession process by putting in place the legal framework necessary for its membership. Of course, safeguards are not new and have been included in previous accession treaties. While it is still too early to talk about concrete solutions, Ireland is determined to make significant progress in the work of the ad hoc working group on the accession treaty with Montenegro during its Presidency. Ireland is also focused on making significant progress on Montenegro's formal path to membership.
Minister for European Affairs of Ireland Tomas Bern hosted another intergovernmental conference on July 14th with Prime Minister (Milojko) With spaghetti, which saw the closure of two more chapters with Montenegro. This happened just two weeks after we took over the Presidency and, reflecting the priority we give to enlargement, for the first time since 2002, four intergovernmental conferences were held on the same day.
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The European Commission recently decided to grant Montenegro a financial package under the new financial framework. What does this mean specifically for Podgorica and the integration process?
I welcome the recent progress on the financial package for Montenegro's accession to the EU, which represents another important step on the path towards full EU membership. The financial package for Montenegro represents the indicative gross amount of EU funds that the country could receive under the Multiannual Financial Framework - the EU's seven-year budget - together with the budgetary adjustments required for its accession. The package sets out how the EU budget would be redistributed when a new member, in this case Montenegro, joins the EU. It seeks to estimate the amount of funds that Montenegro would receive under each policy area. This financial package falls under Chapter 33 (financial and budgetary provisions) of Montenegro's formal accession process and will be negotiated by the Council.
As the Commission stated, the package is designed to ensure Montenegro's full participation in EU policies and budget. It aims to prevent funding gaps and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens. It will help accelerate Montenegro's economic convergence, support sustainable growth and further strengthen its integration into the EU single market. It will give Montenegro greater financial certainty about what membership will look like in practice and allow institutions to prepare in good time. It will also help ensure that, when Montenegro joins, the transition is smooth and that citizens, companies and local communities can benefit from EU programmes from day one.
With this package, as well as the establishment of a working group to draft the accession treaty, the EU is sending a strong signal that Montenegro is making progress towards membership. As the Presidency, Ireland will work hard to strongly support Montenegro on its path towards the EU.
How does the current geopolitical situation, especially the war in Ukraine, affect the EU enlargement process?
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine should make it clear to everyone that enlargement policy is the EU's best tool for safeguarding the security of our continent. Security is one of the three priority pillars of the Irish Presidency. Europe is facing its most challenging security environment in decades - from Russia's war against Ukraine, to cyber threats and hybrid attacks, to instability in other parts of our neighbourhood. These are challenges that no single Member State can address alone. It is this logic that inspired the motto of our Presidency... It reflects our belief that Europe's strength comes from acting together, especially in challenging times.
During our Presidency, we will work with our European partners to strengthen Europe's resilience, deepen cooperation on security and defence, and advance our common response to these challenges. Ireland and Europe remain steadfast in their support for Ukraine.
During our Presidency, Ukraine will remain a priority, working to advance its path towards the EU. We welcomed the recent opening of negotiations in Cluster 1 and look forward to working to open the remaining clusters. Ireland will support strong and targeted sanctions against Russia, while providing the financial support Ukraine needs to defend itself against continued illegal Russian aggression. Our ultimate goal is to help build a Europe that is safer, stronger and better prepared for the challenges ahead, while keeping the door open for countries ready to join the EU.
Is Ireland concerned about Russia's malign influence in Montenegro?
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has fundamentally changed the security environment in Europe. It has also raised awareness across the EU about the importance of protecting democracies from foreign interference, disinformation, and hybrid threats. These are challenges that affect many countries across Europe.
Montenegro has made a clear strategic choice. It has largely aligned itself with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy and has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the European path. Ireland welcomes this commitment. Rather than focusing on any single country, Ireland believes that the most effective response is to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law, support independent media and build public trust. These are the foundations of resilient democracies and are at the very heart of the EU accession process. Enlargement is the EU's best tool for ensuring the security of the continent. By supporting reforms and closer integration, we are helping to build stronger institutions and a safer and more prosperous Europe for all.
As Montenegro moves closer to membership, business opportunities will grow
How do you assess the economic cooperation between Ireland and Montenegro? Where do you see room for its improvement?
I think that the economic relations between Ireland and Montenegro are quite positive, although there is certainly significant room for further growth. We are pleased with the successful cooperation between Aer Rianta International, the Irish company that operates duty-free shops, and Montenegro Duty Free, which continues to provide a high level of service at the airports in Podgorica and Tivat.
I see significant opportunities to strengthen economic ties, promote tourism, and foster cooperation in innovation and education. By bringing our companies, institutions, and citizens closer together, we can build on the strong foundations that already exist and develop an even more dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership in the years to come. I believe there are real opportunities to strengthen business ties and foster new investments in both directions.
As Montenegro moves closer to EU membership, I expect business opportunities to grow further. Greater integration into the EU single market will make the country even more attractive to investors and I hope that more Irish companies will recognise Montenegro as a place to do business.
Ireland has benefited from the free movement of people within the EU
Montenegro closed Chapter 2 (free movement of workers) last month. What transitional period did Ireland request regarding the free movement of workers?
Ireland did not request a transitional period for the free movement of workers from Montenegro and we are very pleased that progress has been made in this chapter.
Ireland has consistently benefited from the free movement of people within the EU, both as a country from which many people emigrated and as a country that received workers from across Europe.
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