Addressing the German parliament, the Bundestag, he underlined that Montenegro represents a credible and reliable partner, further confirmed by its full alignment with the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy.
He stressed that the final stage of negotiations requires strong political support from member states and called for increased engagement from Germany and other partners in order to create the conditions for the next concrete step - the drafting of the accession treaty.
"This is a moment when the European path is measured not only by reforms, but also by political decisions, and that is why it is important that we are ready on both levels," he said.
Following his address, Milatović noted that his visit to Berlin forms part of intensive diplomatic activity aimed at strengthening political support for Montenegro's European path, pointing to significant interest among German parliamentarians in the country's progress in the accession process.
"My visit to Berlin is part of an intensive diplomatic campaign that I have been conducting for some time. I am lobbying at all key European addresses for Montenegro's EU membership. There is no need to explain the role Germany plays in this process and the role the German parliament will have in the context of ratifying our accession agreement," Milatović said.
Speaking about meetings in the Bundestag, he highlighted the openness and interest of German parliamentarians and pointed to important discussions with representatives of the executive branch.
"In the Bundestag, I spoke about everything we have achieved so far, the challenges ahead, as well as our strong readiness and commitment to reforms, which is why we expect even stronger German support in the coming period. I believe that stronger support from Germany for Montenegro will further encourage support from other member states. That is precisely the key in this process," he said.
In particular, according to a statement from his office, he singled out what is a key topic for his German counterparts.
"German parliamentarians are generally interested in the rule of law. The rule of law is crucial, along with everything we need to do to further improve it in Montenegro in the coming period. I urge that every law adopted in our parliament be aligned with the European Commission, that we finally complete the Constitutional Court, and that we genuinely accelerate progress, as the next three to four months are crucial for our European path."
What is the pace of Montenegro-EU negotiations?
Speaking about the dynamics of negotiations, he emphasised that responsibility lies primarily with Montenegro.
"As far as closing chapters is concerned, the ball is entirely in our court, and that was the message today as well. Commitment to our reforms is of exceptional importance," he said.
He also highlighted a positive signal from Germany regarding the further course of integration.
"We have an open door here. After my stay in Berlin and discussions with numerous MPs, as well as their strong interest in Montenegro, I can say that the door is open and that everything depends on us," he concluded.
Finally, Milatović pointed to the importance of political circumstances within EU member states.
"Of course, at the end of this process the key role is played by the member states, including Germany, which is extremely important. The elections in France next year are also significant. It is crucial that we accomplish as much as possible by then, so that the French President can ask the French parliament - both its upper and lower houses - to ratify our accession treaty, without it having to go to a French referendum," Milatović stated.
(EUpravo zato)