FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
European Council President Antonio Costa calls Montenegro's progress "impressive" and urges the acceleration of reforms for early EU membership.
In a strong political statement from Podgorica, the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, said that Montenegro could become the 28th member of the European Union by 2028, describing this enlargement as a strategic investment for peace and stability in the region.
During the meeting with Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović, Costa stressed that Montenegro’s progress in the accession negotiations is “impressive” and that the slogan “28 by 2028” is an achievable goal, even desirable even earlier. Milatović, for his part, described this visit as a clear signal that his country’s European perspective remains a priority on the EU agenda.
"Your arrival confirms that Montenegro's European perspective remains high on the EU agenda. In these challenging times, enlargement policy can be decisive. We can be the light at the end of the tunnel and confirmation that the enlargement process is alive ," said Milatović.
Montenegro has opened all negotiation chapters since their launch in 2012, but has only provisionally closed three. After a period of stagnation, negotiations were resumed last June, with the aim of concluding the process as soon as possible.
"The slogan '28 by 2028' is great, but it would be better if it were achieved earlier," he said, adding that Montenegro "could become the 28th member and a leader in the European integration of the region ," Costa said.
However, recent deals with the United Arab Emirates, including the 99-year lease of the Grand Beach in Ulcinj, have raised concerns in Brussels. Costa warned that any deal must comply with EU laws, particularly in the areas of public procurement and environmental protection.
"Especially in the areas of public procurement and environmental protection ," he said.
At a time when the EU aims to accelerate the enlargement process, Montenegro seems to be on track to become an example of a European success story. However, it remains to be seen whether internal reforms and relations with international partners will accelerate or hinder this journey towards full EU membership.
Lini një Përgjigje