Strasbourg, (MINA) – The EU enlargement is no longer a promise for tomorrow but a priority for today, said the President of the European Parliament (EP) Roberta Metsola adding that Montenegro is leading the way with half of the chapters closed.

 

Metsola said this at a press conference at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, following a meeting with Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic.

 

She remarked that on Thursday, the European Council will discuss the concrete next steps in regard to Montenegro’s accession process.

 

Metsola said the message is clear and that enlargement is no longer a promise for tomorrow.

 

“It is a priority for today, and things are finally, and I use the word finally, moving. And with that, Montenegro is leading the way, with half of the accession chapters closed, with two more chapters closed yesterday, bringing the number to 16”, said Metsola.

 

She said that work on the accession treaty has begun and that it shows that enlargement is a merit-based process.

 

Metsola said that the EP has always been the strongest advocate of enlargement.

 

“We will continue to stand with Montenegro every step of the way as we work together to bring this process across the finish line, because soon we want to see Montenegro’s MPs in these seats”, Metsola concluded.

 

Answering the question of whether the membership goal of 28th member by 2028 is achievable, she said that the EU is a supporter of Montenegro’s accession, but that the country should first fulfill all that is required of it.

 

Milatovic said that the country is now entering the final phase of EU accession.

 

“And today, in front of all the MEPs, in this house of European democracy, I want to speak about the progress of Montenegro, which is a frontrunner among all the candidate countries, has made so far”, said Milatovic.

 

He added that he also wants to send a very clear message that Montenegro is ready for membership by 2028.

 

Milatovic expressed hope that the EP will ratify an accession treaty for the first time after almost 15 years and that it will be Montenegro.