Montenegro is diligently following its path towards European Union (EU) membership, stated Marjan Šarec, the European Parliament’s (EP) permanent rapporteur for Montenegro, during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić and Minister of Interior Danilo Šaranović in Brussels.

According to an announcement from the Government, Bečić and Šaranović commenced a three-day trip to Brussels, where they met with Šarec today.

Šarec remarked that Montenegro is taking the necessary steps as it progresses toward EU membership.

“The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) is fulfilling its responsibilities, the Ministry of Defense is meeting its obligations, and you are a committed NATO member. I am delighted to witness Montenegro’s significant progress,” Šarec commented.

Bečić stressed that Montenegro is on the right course.

“We are seeing historic achievements on our European journey, evidenced by obtaining IBAR and closing the chapter, a decisive battle against organized crime and corruption, political stability, significant public support for the European integration process, and two-thirds backing from MPs for the 44th Government, along with the opposition’s return to parliamentary seats,” Bečić noted.

He stated that Montenegro is committed to utilizing all its resources to further accelerate its European path with the goal of becoming an EU member by 2028.

Bečić highlighted the importance of resolving the local election issue in a single day as a means to further reinforce political stability, reduce polarization, and concentrate on European integration, noting that efforts to address this matter are currently being intensified.

“Citizens, political entities, the domestic public, and international partners all want the local election issue resolved in a way that allows all elections to happen on one day. The sincerity and dedication of all political groups will be put to the test in successfully concluding this matter,” Bečić emphasized.

Šaranović indicated that the Ministry of Interior plays a crucial role as the leader in the integration process concerning the rule of law, implementing reforms, and bolstering institutions that combat crime.

“We recognize that the interests of the Montenegrin Government, the Ministry of the Interior, and the EU align, as seen in our shared priorities, which include a continuous fight against all forms of organized crime, corruption, irregular migration, and smuggling, as well as enhancing border management,” Šaranović stated.

He acknowledged that they are entering a period requiring even more intensive efforts to meet obligations from the negotiation process.

“The achievements thus far and the recognition from our European partners regarding our comprehensive efforts to foster a zero-tolerance environment for crime give us confidence that we will soon earn our rightful place among European nations,” concluded Šaranović.

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