Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić and Minister of the Interior Danilo Šaranović have commenced their three-day visit to Brussels, where they held a meeting today with MEP and European Parliament Rapporteur for Montenegro, Marjan Šarec.

Expressing his appreciation for the warm reception, Bečić conveyed his particular pleasure that the visit to Brussels began with a reliable friend and ally of Montenegro.

Montenegro is progressing in the right direction, achieving significant milestones on its European journey, as demonstrated by the receipt of IBAR and the closure of negotiation chapters. This progress is further highlighted by a steadfast commitment to combat organized crime and corruption, political stability, strong public support for European integration, a two-thirds majority in favor of the 44th Government, and the return of the opposition to parliamentary roles. We are dedicated to utilizing all our resources to hasten our European journey, aiming to join the EU as its 28th member by 2028, stated the Deputy Prime Minister.

Bečić also underscored that a crucial element in enhancing political stability, reducing polarization, and concentrating on European integration is the definitive resolution of the issue regarding simultaneous local elections. He pointed out that efforts to resolve this matter are at their highest level at present.

All citizens, political entities, the domestic public, and international partners desire a solution to ensure all local elections occur on the same day. This will test the sincerity and dedication of all political actors in successfully resolving this issue, Bečić emphasized.

Minister Šaranović remarked that the Ministry of the Interior, as a leading institution in the integration process concerning the rule of law, plays a vital role in executing reforms and enhancing the capacity of institutions in the fight against crime.

We recognize that the interests of the Montenegrin Government and the Ministry of the Interior are aligned with those of the EU, particularly concerning our shared priorities: further combatting all forms of organized crime and corruption, addressing irregular migration and smuggling, and improving border management. We understand that the upcoming period demands even more intense efforts to fulfill the obligations of the negotiation process. However, the achievements thus far, along with the acknowledgment of our overall efforts by our European partners concerning a zero-tolerance environment for crime, bolster our confidence that Montenegro will soon claim its rightful position within the European family, concluded Minister Šaranović.

Montenegro is undertaking all necessary actions appropriately on its path to EU membership. The Ministry of the Interior is fulfilling its duties, the Ministry of Defence is honoring its commitments, and you are a dedicated NATO member. I am delighted to witness Montenegro’s remarkable progress, stated MEP Šarec.