[ad_1]
Current political issues should not divert attention from the reform program and the European path, said the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, in a press conference with Prime Minister Dritan Abazović, on Thursday in Podgorica.
The meeting of the Stabilization and Association Council was held on Thursday for the first time in Montenegro and represents a new geopolitical situation in the integration of the Western Balkans.
“It was important to show the citizens of the region the commitment to a common future in the EU. I think that the current geopolitical situation makes the integration of the Western Balkans an even greater strategic and necessary geopolitical priority. We have completed the review of relations with Montenegro. We also talked about regional and internal events”, said Mr. Borrell.
Montenegro is widely seen as the first country in line for EU membership, but the country’s progress has been slowed by internal political tensions, including recent developments that could cause the minority government to fall.
“I think that the focus of all parties should be European reforms, nothing should be more important for Montenegro than the European path, especially at a time when it can be a leader in this process. You have the potential to be a success story because many chapters are open and it’s time for the second phase.” Borell said.
Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi warned that Montenegro is wasting precious time.
“These days, wasting time is not something you can afford. The time you are wasting now will hurt you doubly, because now you have to focus on the consequences of the war in Ukraine, but also on how to speed up your work on the road to the EU. I understand that there is a consensus to move forward faster. Please, I know that the political life here is full of color, I am constantly discovering some nuances, but you do it in such a way that in the meantime you achieve results in your key interest”. said Varhelyi.
Prime Minister Dritan Abazović said that Montenegro has only one foreign policy priority – EU membership.
“We do not see ourselves anywhere else but in the family of European states. We want to spread the European spirit in Montenegro and try with our partners in these complex times to show constructiveness in the best way”, said Mr. Abazovic.
He expressed the belief that sufficient political wisdom will be found to realize the dream of many citizens, the entry of Montenegro into the EU.
However, the frequent protests, the hate speech and the division into the pro-Montenegro group on one side and the pro-Serb group on the other side have influenced the increase of inter-ethnic tensions in the country, which affected the appropriate reforms in Montenegro.
Montenegro must implement judicial and rule of law reform, improve media freedom and promote the fight against crime and corruption./VOA
top channel
[ad_2]
Source link
