EPA / Boris Pejović

Dritan Abazović, the President of the Montenegrin government in a technical mandate, has stated that the conditions for forming a new government in Montenegro are now in place. He emphasized that the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), led by Mila Djukanović, has opted for a European path for Montenegro after they refused to support the election of judges to the Constitutional Court.

– The Venice Commission has been clear, and the European Commission has also made its position known. Ms. (Ana) Pisonero mentioned the importance of not focusing solely on the Law on the President or the Constitutional Court judges. The session was not attended because the DPS and other parties chose not to vote. If anyone is obstructing Montenegro’s European path, it’s them,” Abazović asserted at a joint press conference with Boujar Osmani, head of Northern Macedonia’s diplomacy, in Villa Gorica.

He also noted that there are no further updates regarding the unsuccessful session of the Parliamentary Committee for the European Union and Montenegro Stabilization and Association (Pospit) in Brussels. However, he acknowledged that the European Parliament respects the Montenegrin parliament.

– Dialogues among parliamentarians should not only convey positive news but also address challenges to facilitate wise decision-making. I don’t believe Vladimir Bilčik intended to suspend this … I see it more as a political assessment rather than a punitive action, and I anticipate that the committees will reconvene in the new term – stated Abazović.

He emphasized that anything that contributes to reducing tensions in the region is beneficial for Montenegro. He also expressed that increased regional cooperation should not be a source of headaches.

When asked if his government would support Montenegro joining the Open Balkans initiative, Abazović explained that this initiative lacks a foundational agreement and that Montenegro should consider entering a special contract.

– It’s neither NATO nor the EU. It’s an expression of goodwill, consisting of a collection of bilateral agreements concerning the Green Line at borders and diploma recognition. I fully support the idea, believing it would be advantageous for Montenegro,” he said.

Abazović also shared his belief that Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo should be part of the Open Balkans, as reported by Podgorica media.

Osmani remarked that despite the progress made over recent decades, the region continues to face new challenges, such as the repercussions of the economic crisis and the ongoing consequences of what he termed the Russian aggression against Ukraine.