Tivat, (MINA) – The European Union (EU) must show willingness and readiness for enlargement, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said, adding that he and French President Emmanuel Macron made concrete proposals for the next steps in the enlargement process.

 

Merz told journalists at the beginning of the EU-Western Balkans Summit, held in Tivat on Friday, that they came to Montenegro to discuss further EU enlargement, which, as he stated, is already overdue.

 

He remarked that there is a number of questions which need a united answer, but primarily that this part of Europe is the future part of the EU.

 

 

Merz recalled that the EU has not admitted any new members in 13 years, adding that this also shows shortcomings of the EU, that is, that it did not do its homework properly.

 

He said that they will discuss further steps and expressed hope that they would reach joint conclusions that will be implemented in Brussels in the coming weeks and months.

 

“We still have a long way to go, but these tasks are certainly achievable, and especially with Montenegro, we want to make rapid progress on this path”, said Merz.

 

Macron said that European partners strongly support Montenegro’s ambitions to become the next EU member.

 

“Actually, the reason for our meeting here is the enlargement of the European community with Montenegro as the new member. We are all here to support the results Montenegrin authorities have achieved so far in order to join the EU”, said Macron.

 

He added that the European partners’ goal is to help Montenegro fulfill its obligations and integrate as quickly as possible.

 

 

foto: MINA