Podgorica, (MINA) – Today, Montenegro is the most advanced EU membership candidate, and the goal of completing the negotiations by the end of next year, although ambitious, is no longer unrealistic, said European Parliament Rapporteur for Montenegro Marjan Sarec.

 

Speaking at a press conference in Strasbourg on the occasion of EP’s adoption of the Resolution on Montenegro, he said that the results achieved last year were very good, but that they should be viewed in the broader context of the long-term accession process.

 

“Montenegro has maintained a clear strategic commitment to European integration and very strong public support for EU membership. Today, Montenegro stands closer to the EU than ever before”, Sarec said.

 

According to him, although the process was not always simple due to political challenges, institutional delays and periods of instability, Montenegro has made significant progress.

 

He pointed out that no other candidate country is currently at such an advanced stage of negotiations.

 

“Montenegro is a frontrunner of the EU enlargement process. EU membership is no longer a distant aspiration, it is a realistic and achievable objective”, Sarec said.

 

He emphasized that success will not depend only on the adoption of laws, but above all on their implementation, especially in the chapters referring to the rule of law, judicial independence, the fight against corruption and organized crime.

 

Sarec assessed that Montenegro is aligned with European policies and that, as a member of NATO, it has proven to be a reliable partner.

 

“Today, enlargement is no longer only a technical process, it is also a strategic investment in European stability, security and resilience”, Sarec said, adding that issues of judicial independence, media freedom and environmental policy remain among the challenges.

 

Summarizing the findings of the report, Sarec said that Montenegro is no longer being tested on its European choice, but its capacity to deliver final reforms.

 

“But Montenegro must not be left to do this alone. The EU must also do its part”, said Sarec, stressing that the Union must remain credible, consistent and ready to recognize the progress achieved.

 

Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorcevic said that this year is historic for the country, which marks the 20th anniversary of its independence and records significant diplomatic successes.

 

She assessed that the EP Resolution recognizes the progress made by Montenegro and its commitment to European values ​​and policies.

 

Gorcevic pointed out that the establishment of an ad hoc working group for drafting of Montenegro’s Accession Treaty represents an important step forward in the process of accession.

 

Speaking about the upcoming obligations, she stressed that the focus will be on judicial reforms, strengthening the fight against corruption and money laundering, as well as further advancing the rule of law.

 

“Our objective is clear: to become fully prepared for membership before joining the EU”, said Gorcevic.