Montenegro is entering the final stage of negotiations with the European Union, with the expectation of closing all negotiating chapters by the end of the year and beginning preparations for the ratification of its Accession Treaty.
The focus is also on the challenges accompanying the final phase of European integration, ranging from administrative preparations and diplomatic lobbying in EU member states to potential external influences on the enlargement process. At the same time, the European path of the Western Balkan countries is once again gaining momentum.
Montenegro's Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, discussed these and other issues with EUpravo Zato.
"Many positive developments are taking place not only in Luxembourg and Brussels, but also in Montenegro itself. I am referring to reforms. I am referring to the fact that we hosted the EU–Western Balkans Summit, which was highly successful. The messages we are receiving, not only from Brussels but from all corners of the European Union and from major European leaders, truly demonstrate political support, which is extremely important and necessary for us at this stage," the minister told our portal.
She stressed that Montenegro is no longer at the stage where discussions revolve solely around closing negotiating chapters, but rather about the next steps towards membership, including the ratification of accession in the parliaments of EU member states and the European Parliament. She added that a serious timetable for discussions on the Accession Treaty is already under way through a specially established ad hoc working group.
"So, a great deal of work is being carried out on all fronts. I believe there are many reasons for optimism. I am confident that Montenegro will fulfil all remaining obligations, close the negotiating chapters by the end of this year, and establish a sound timetable for meeting its commitments once the ratification process begins," Maida Gorčević said in an interview with our correspondent.
The biggest challenges in the final phase
Speaking about the challenges of the final phase of European integration, Gorčević emphasised that there are many and that this is a process which, in reality, never entirely ends. She noted that even after the negotiating chapters are closed, clear obligations remain regarding further preparation of the administration and the state for the next stage of accession to the European Union.
"What must remain in complete focus is our political leadership, which will ultimately need to lobby for ratification in all 27 member states. This requires considerable time and resources. We do not have embassies in every EU member state, which will present an additional technical challenge. Another issue raised during the press conference concerns certain foreign influences that may emerge during the final stage of the process. This has not happened only to Montenegro, but also to other countries before they joined the European Union. I believe we must all stand on the same side, together with the European Commission and the member states, and I am among those leading that effort," Gorčević said.
Nevertheless, she is convinced that any potential challenges will be addressed "one by one" and that Montenegro will ultimately become an example for the entire region, helping to pull other countries forward as well.
Assessment of the current state of European integration in the Western Balkans
Progress is also visible in other Western Balkan countries. Gorčević pointed out that Albania has succeeded in opening all negotiating chapters, while there are expectations that Serbia could soon open Cluster 3. She also noted that North Macedonia has recorded a certain degree of progress in implementing its reform agenda.
"The region is not standing still. Of course, we are not all at the same stage when it comes to fulfilling obligations under the European agenda, but every country is making progress in accordance with its capacities and commitments. I believe Montenegro has been a source of motivation and has, in a way, set the entire process in motion. I am particularly pleased that Montenegro is chairing the Berlin Process this year and that the summit will be held in Montenegro," she said, adding that this will provide an opportunity for even closer cooperation, given the obligations that connect the region.
(EUpravo zato)
