Members of the European Union-Montenegro Stabilization and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAC) hold diverse perspectives but are united by the ambition for Montenegro to become the EU’s 28th member.

This assertion was made by Thomas Weitz, the head of the European Parliament delegation, during the POSP meeting held in Strasbourg.

Weitz reminded attendees that the last meeting took place in Podgorica five months prior.

“Our collective aim is to see Montenegro as a land of peace and prosperity and as the next EU member,” Weitz stated.

Dejan Đurović, the head of the Montenegrin Parliament delegation from the New Serbian Democracy party, mentioned past parliamentary crises due to blockades, which were resolved quickly through cross-party agreements.

“Our common goal is to ensure Montenegro becomes a country of peace and prosperity and the next EU member,” he reiterated.

Đurović noted that three negotiation chapters were finalized last year.

“Our efforts are not solely focused on formal EU membership but also on improving the living standards of our citizens,” he explained.

Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević remarked that the previous year posed significant challenges, yet it was essential for the European integration process across the Western Balkans.

“In terms of European integration, we can refer to last year as the year of the growth strategy,” she added.

She noted that the objectives could be achieved by 2027 through collective efforts, including planned electoral system reforms.

Pavel Lački, Chairman of the EU Council’s Enlargement Working Group, expressed that a new momentum exists in the enlargement process and emphasized the importance of fully capitalizing on this opportunity.

“Enlargement is a critical priority for the Polish presidency, possessing considerable security dimensions for us. We will continue to do everything necessary to advance this process based on each candidate’s merits,” he elaborated.

Lački commended the appointments in the judiciary and underscored the need for Montenegro to intensify its fight against organized crime.

Wejc mentioned that Poland’s achievements over the last two decades demonstrate how EU membership fosters growth.

Barbara Jesus Jimeno, Director of the EC Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighborhood, acknowledged Montenegro’s progress in closing three chapters, indicating its readiness to advance and welcomed parliamentary requests to the Venice Commission regarding judge Dragana Đuranović’s retirement.

However, she cautioned that the recent decision to expand the visa-free entry list for additional countries could negatively impact the closure of Chapter 24.

She highlighted several areas where progress is necessary.

“Ongoing advancement in the rule of law is vital. Chapters 23 and 24 are fundamental to the accession negotiations, and Montenegro’s advances in these areas will be closely observed. I must emphasize that the recent decision to include more countries in the visa-free regime does not bode well and may hinder Montenegro’s ability to meet the final benchmarks for Chapter 24 by the end of next year, as outlined in the reform agenda,” she elaborated.

She also stressed the critical nature of new media laws for fostering a positive report on meeting interim benchmarks, which could facilitate momentum into the final negotiation phase.

“The full enforcement of the law is essential. I hope we will soon witness the appointment of new members to the Council of the Agency for Electronic Media. For Montenegro to achieve its ambitious objectives and complete this process next year, consistent implementation of all regulations and requirements concerning the final benchmarks in the rule of law is mandatory,” said Hesus Jimeno.

She welcomed the electoral reform committee’s efforts, highlighting its importance along with the necessity of maintaining positive relations with neighboring countries and those beyond the EU.

“The recent agreement with the UAE regarding joint investments is significant. Economic growth serves Montenegro’s interests and must align with EU standards, particularly those regarding public procurement. Together with Montenegro, we are exploring methods to attract foreign direct investments, preferably from the EU. These matters rest with our Montenegrin counterparts, but we continue to offer our support through pre-accession assistance initiatives aimed at fulfilling progress for all chapters. We are currently programming for the IPARD 2025-2027, which will be crucial for all Montenegrin institutions,” she stated.

Jimeno also congratulated Montenegro on joining the SEPA and reaffirmed the EC’s ongoing support for the country.

Zuzana Mihalkova Šutiakova, Head of the Western Balkans Sector at the European External Action Service, asserted that Montenegro’s journey is vital in the current geopolitical context.

“I wish to commend the agreement reached between the government and the opposition regarding the Supreme Court’s handling of the judge’s retirement,” she emphasized.

She added that Russia perceives Montenegro as an adversary since sanctions were imposed and that Montenegro faces continual cyber threats.

Deputy Speaker of the Montenegrin Parliament Boris Pejović (Europe Now Movement) stated that Montenegro is leading among candidate countries for EU accession, yet there are aspirations to enhance standards to avert a population exodus post-accession.

The European Parliament’s rapporteur for Montenegro, Marijan Šarec, indicated his active involvement in the accession process, noting that it is progressing more smoothly than before but that there are still hurdles to overcome.

Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) MP Ivan Vuković expressed that although the opposition supports Montenegro’s aspirations for EU membership, they are deeply concerned about the country’s European future amid the growing influence of Aleksandar Vučić’s autocratic regime.

“His main objective is to prevent Montenegro from joining the EU before Serbia, leading his political allies to instigate tensions surrounding dual citizenship and disrupt constructive reforms. They support the secessionist President of the RS, Dodik, while advocating for an alliance with Hungary and Serbia,” he pointed out.

Croatian MEP Sunčica Glavak stated her country’s support for Montenegro’s EU entry, asserting that enlargement must signify progress and that they cannot endorse Montenegro’s approach that overlooks accession challenges.

“Bilateral issues are legitimate, but certain matters constitute core European standards. This particularly pertains to the issue of missing persons… Additionally, we are alarmed by concessions favoring pro-Serbian interests, such as recognizing Serbian as an official language and relaxing dual citizenship criteria. Such initiatives may destabilize Montenegro’s internal situation and compromise its European prospects,” she assessed.

Glavak added that the accession process must equate to authentic reforms, not just the completion of chapters.

Dutch MEP Tijs Reuten emphasized the need for all democratic forces in the EP to unite.

Another Croatian MEP, Tomislav Sokol, praised Montenegro’s progress, noting its status as the closest candidate for EU membership, while urging the opposition to exhibit responsibility and return to parliament.

Nonetheless, he cautioned that foreign influence remains a significant issue.

“It’s a troubling message when the leader of the ruling coalition promotes a policy against Orthodox believers and calls for an alliance with Hungary and Slovakia, echoing narratives tied to Russia,” he said.

He further referenced Vuković’s arrest in Belgrade as a form of pressure.

“Any revision of the citizenship law could dramatically alter the political landscape, potentially resulting in a government elected from outside Montenegro, notably in Serbia, which poses severe risks. Croatia firmly supports Montenegro’s EU accession contingent upon meeting all criteria,” he asserted.

Đurović responded that no one will revert Montenegro to its past, aiming to regulate financial transfers to the country dating back to 2010.

Democrats MP Anđela Vojinović remarked that the previous year marked a pivotal moment on the EU path, highlighting significant accomplishments in the fight against corruption despite over 50 civil servants being indicted.

Slovenian MEP Vladimir Prebilič identified corruption as a critical issue, expressing that his country has consistently supported Montenegro’s EU aspirations and stands ready to assist.

He commented on the necessity of electing the Council of Radio and Television of Montenegro based on independence and professionalism, also noting the outstanding elections in Šavnik.

Prebilič observed that Croatia’s EU accession did not resolve all mutual issues, yet that did not preclude enlargement.

Civic Movement URA MP Ana Novaković Đurović stated that passing laws alone does not constitute reform; it requires implementation.

“The parliamentary majority seems focused on formalities and deadlines rather than substantive reforms, especially concerning the rule of law. I must remind everyone that last year we received a positive IBAR, prompting improvements in chapters 23 and 24. The opposition supported nearly all laws linked to the IBAR legislation, but we are now renouncing those laws and warning of potential consequences,” she specified.

She noted that media laws are not being adequately implemented due to the ruling majority’s decisions, as public calls for appointing Council members for Audiovisual Media Services and RTCG Council have yet to be announced.

Europe Now Movement MP Vasilije Čarapić emphasized that his party is not aiming to impose party discipline and insists that democracy should not rely solely on politicians.

“Hence, we are committed to strengthening the rule of law and enhancing the economic standards for our citizens,” he stated.

He added that they advocate for electoral reforms, including conducting elections in a single day and amending the law governing political party financing and campaigns, alongside the professionalization of the State Election Commission.

Independent MP Radinka Ćinćur mentioned that her departure from the party resulted in a loss of financial resources, advocating for necessary electoral law reforms.

New Serbian Democracy MP Jelena Božović insisted that no external factor threatens Montenegro’s EU path and that there is no justification for fighting against “imaginary enemies.”

Human Rights Advisor at the EU Delegation to Montenegro, Frida Vinšman, emphasized that reforms should focus on incorporating vetting processes as well as electoral reforms aimed at improving the representation of the Roma minority in Parliament.

Social Democrat MP Boris Mugoša noted that IBAR laws are currently being flouted, with no appointments to the Constitutional Court for nine months.

Đurović also referenced the challenges faced by Greece and Turkey but asserted that these issues do not impede the NATO membership of those nations.

Bosniak Party MP Admir Adrović underscored that Montenegro is a transit route for drug and cigarette trafficking.

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