Countries aspiring to join the European Union (EU) must understand that the EU has certain rules, and one of its pillars is the rule of law, said the President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar.
"Without the rule of law, it's bad," she said at the ESG Adria Summit in Tivat.
She said that 2030 is the last date for countries to join the EU, "because it is getting harder and harder".
She said that Montenegro is a leader in European integration, but if, along with the rule of law and the implementation of all aspects of international legislation, there is no fight against corruption, then the rule of law means nothing.
On a panel with Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović, she said that corruption must be fought on a daily basis.
Milatović said that he got involved in politics in order to bring Montenegro into the EU.
"What I also want is for Montenegro to come closer to the European standards of the rule of law, for Montenegro to come closer to the level of the EU standard of living, for Montenegro to come closer to the equal opportunities that exist in the EU," said Milatović.
He said that it is not the job of one man, or one branch of government, it should be the goal of the whole society and decision makers.
He said that the changes taking place show that the countries have momentum.
Bonus video:
