Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović described the visit of Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos as a continuation of engaged political dialogue on Montenegro’s European integration and as confirmation of both sides' commitment to the EU enlargement policy.
He emphasised that the strategic partnership between the EU and the Western Balkans is more important than ever.
"Montenegro is the most advanced candidate for membership, and our primary foreign policy goal is to become the 28th member state by 2028. In this context, we need to take advantage of the momentum in the enlargement policy, which requires an intensive political dialogue, continued domestic reforms, and sustained support from our European partners. A prerequisite for progress in the integration process is that domestic political actors demonstrate genuine political will and commitment and that the constitutional and related parliamentary crisis, which our country is currently facing, is resolved," Milatović stated, according to a release from his office.
Milatović shares the EU's concerns regarding the Montenegrin Parliament’s decision to declare the termination of a Constitutional Court judge’s mandate. He agrees with the European Commission’s position that it is necessary to ensure the full functionality of the Constitutional Court, which serves as a fundamental protector of the rule of law and democratic stability in the country.
He informed Commissioner Kos that on 3 January, a call was issued for the selection of a Constitutional Court judge, as proposed by the President of Montenegro.
Milatović also stressed the need for political actors in Parliament, which has not convened for some time, to overcome the parliamentary crisis. He reminded that the state budget for this year has yet to be adopted and that the work of the parliamentary Committee on Comprehensive Electoral Reform has stalled, which could negatively impact the implementation of the Reform Agenda.
He highlighted the importance of resolving institutional deadlocks at the local level, as most recently demonstrated during the formation of the local government in the municipality of Budva.
The president underlined the necessity of continuous presence and close cooperation with the European Commission to successfully complete Montenegro’s accession negotiations.
Milatović expects that the political conditions for closing Chapter 31 will soon be met. In this context, he informed Commissioner Kos about the start of bilateral consultations between Montenegro and Croatia on resolving outstanding issues, scheduled for 27 January.
He reiterated that Montenegro remains a credible NATO partner, committed to regional cooperation, and fully aligned with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.
"EU accession is a national project that involves everyone"
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos emphasised that "today, everyone agrees that we need a stronger and larger European Union."
She stated that Montenegro has a real chance to complete its EU accession negotiations during her mandate.
"EU accession must be a national project that involves everyone. And this process is, above all, merit-based. I am on your team and will support you every step of the way!" Kos stated.
When asked about the opposition’s boycott of parliament, Kos said that the best way to progress on the European path is to involve the opposition as much as possible and secure support for all necessary reforms.
"I understand that there are sometimes differing opinions on various issues, but that is exactly what a parliament is—a place where differences can be discussed. I expect that the parliamentary majority will support the reforms and assist me in Montenegro’s journey towards the EU," Kos said.
She reiterated that she would also speak with the opposition.
"I will listen to their arguments and concerns. If EU assistance is needed, we are ready to provide it," Marta Kos stated.
Responding to opposition criticism that the Montenegrin government is not pro-European, Kos said that for the EU, the actions of Montenegro’s parliament and government are what truly matter.
"So far, they have demonstrated actions that reflect Montenegro’s leadership in this entire process. That is very important to us. It is crucial that Montenegro remains fully committed to its EU path, of course, with the support of my team. I believe in Montenegro and its people, and I trust that they will help the government and parliament succeed on the path to EU membership," Kos said.
"No one in Parliament should block the European path"
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić stated that the visit of European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos represents a major obligation for Montenegro to work even harder and implement reforms more swiftly.
Spajić reiterated that the visit of Commissioner Kos is a significant responsibility for Montenegro, requiring greater effort and faster reform implementation.
"It is not easy for Montenegro to be in a position where we must close 25 chapters by the end of 2026. It is achievable, but it is ambitious and requires immense work and a strong focus on these reforms," Spajić underlined at a press conference.
(EUpravo zato)
