The Parliamentary Committee on International Relations and Emigrants convened today to discuss the Government’s proposal concerning the appointment of Snežana Radović as Montenegro’s Ambassador to Denmark, Danilo Brajović to Romania, and Veljko Milonjić to Poland.

The committee unanimously supported all three nominations from the executive branch. The votes in favor of Brajović and Milonjić were unanimous, while Radović received five votes ‘in favor’ and two ‘abstentions’.

Radović: Successful engagement in Denmark can secure support from Sweden and Finland for EU accession

After confirming that a quorum was present, Committee Chairman Duško Stjepović (Democrats) invited Snežana Radović, the proposed Ambassador to Denmark, to present her case.

Radović expressed her enthusiasm about Montenegro’s forthcoming embassy in Denmark, a decision stemming from a government resolution made in 2018.

“This is crucial for us for several reasons, particularly as Denmark assumes presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) starting July 1st,” she stated.

“Denmark is a member of the Nordic Council, and this is significant for us as many decisions, including foreign policy matters, are made jointly. A successful tenure in Denmark could also lead to support from Sweden and Finland, enhancing our chances for EU membership,” Radović emphasized.

She noted Denmark’s focus on comprehensive reforms in candidate countries, which is beneficial for Montenegro.

“Given our leadership in the European integration process, having opened all negotiation chapters and temporarily closed six, we are hopeful that during the Danish presidency, more chapters will advance,” Radović elaborated.

She highlighted the significance of Denmark’s presidency in influencing the Draft Multiannual Financial Framework, which will clarify Montenegro’s prospects for EU enlargement over the next seven years.

“This makes it imperative to actively engage in Denmark to regularly showcase our country’s achieved reforms. Denmark will not tolerate ‘importing instability’, insisting that candidate countries must exhibit stable democracies and economies,” Radović remarked.

She also underscored the potential for economic collaboration between Montenegro and Denmark, particularly in areas like the rule of law and trade.

“Denmark is a leading exporter of meat and furniture, and Montenegro could leverage its potential in the wood processing sector. It’s essential to prioritize projects in the coming period,” Radović stated.

Europe Now (PES) MP Gordan Stojović commented that Norway would have been a more logical choice for an embassy in Scandinavia.

“Our historical connections with Norway run deep, notably through the Institute in Herceg Novi, which has served Norwegian patients for years,” he pointed out.

Stojović inquired about Radović’s views on cooperation between Denmark and Montenegro concerning the Danish strategic framework for green energy, especially considering Denmark’s plans to double its aid to the Western Balkans for climate-related projects by 2030. He also questioned how Denmark’s exemptions from the Lisbon Treaty in justice could affect Montenegro and how Denmark balances Greenland’s sovereignty with its transatlantic relations.

Radović explained that Denmark continually seeks to balance security and environmental concerns.

“This is a nation that prioritizes issues related to the green agenda. There is significant room for cooperation, and we will initiate those projects promptly,” she added.

She stated that Denmark works closely with the EU and related institutions, clarifying that exemptions from EU policies do not imply a lack of alignment with EU objectives.

“The Arctic is becoming increasingly significant. Regarding Greenland, they maintain a high level of autonomy and have the potential for independence. We need to observe the developments concerning Greenland, as this will influence the global geopolitical landscape,” Radović concluded.

The committee ultimately voted in favor of appointing Radović as Ambassador to Denmark, with five votes ‘in favor’ and two ‘abstentions’.

Brajović: Efforts are underway to establish a direct Podgorica – Bucharest flight

Danilo Brajović, the ambassadorial candidate for Romania, emphasized his commitment to strengthening Bucharest’s support for Montenegro’s European integration, asserting Romania’s importance to Montenegro’s NATO membership.

“Our political relations are robust. On the contractual and legal front, three agreements are ready for signing, and initiatives to launch a direct Podgorica-Bucharest flight are currently in progress. Our defense cooperation is also strong, with plans for a bilateral cooperation agreement between our defense ministries,” Brajović stated.

He pointed out that Romania boasts 33 members in the European Parliament (EP), making it the second in Eastern Europe after Poland.

“I wish to emphasize cooperation with NATO. Romania identifies the Western Balkans and Black Sea regions as strategically important for the Alliance. In this period of NATO transformation, fortifying the European pillar is pivotal, and Romania plays a significant role in that,” Brajović remarked.

He then reviewed economic indicators.

“Romania ranks as the seventh-largest economy in the EU, having attracted €100 billion in EU funds since its accession in 2007. The predicted GDP growth stands at 2.1 percent,” Brajović added.

Gordan Stojović queried how Montenegro could forge a synergistic relationship with Romania in energy security, digital infrastructure, and significant regional initiatives amid China’s “Belt and Road” strategy.

Brajović highlighted the “Neptun Deep” project as a critical initiative in Romania’s Black Sea sector.

“It carries strategic significance and is pivotal for the country’s energy security and independence, with substantial natural gas reserves expected to yield benefits by 2030,” he noted.

Brajović also emphasized Bucharest’s support for Ukraine and its advocacy for strengthened ties with Moldova in the context of regional security.

The committee unanimously approved Brajović’s appointment as Ambassador to Romania.

Milonjić: Poland advocates for EU enlargement towards the Western Balkans

Veljko Milonjić, candidate for Ambassador to Poland, discussed how Poland’s geographic location has shaped its foreign policy, noting that Poland has the sixth-largest GDP in the EU.

“Poland enjoys the lowest unemployment rate in the EU and has effectively utilized EU funds. Every embassy’s task is to focus on matters of importance to Montenegro, and Poland actively supports EU enlargement into the Western Balkans,” Milonjić stated.

He mentioned that Poland encourages increased defense spending among other EU nations.

“Montenegro and Poland are partners in NATO and soon in the EU. This provides a solid foundation for enhancing cooperation. We have well-defined bilateral programs which the Ministry of Defense oversees, including an agreement on combatting organized crime,” Milonjić said.

He asserted that the embassy’s role involves monitoring current programs and initiating new projects where feasible.

Noting Montenegro’s foreign trade deficit of 10 to 15 percent, he acknowledged that while air traffic is well developed, there is potential for further improvement.

Milonjić remarked on the significant opportunities for enhancing bilateral relations.

“The pandemic and diplomatic constraints have opened avenues for increased engagement,” he added.

Chairman Stjepović inquired about Milonjić’s understanding of the human resources challenges in Poland and his strategies for expanding the diplomatic presence there.

Milonjić responded that there is discontinuity in the diplomatic network, including Poland.

“The ministry has already opened a position for a ministerial advisor, and I expect this to conclude by September. I believe an optimal setup consists of three diplomats. It’s vital to determine priorities, as we cannot be specialists in every area, but clear directives will guide us,” Milonjić explained.

The committee unanimously endorsed Milonjić’s appointment as Ambassador to Poland.

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