I would like to congratulate the citizens of Montenegro on their decision to conduct consolidated general local elections alongside the regular parliamentary elections on 13 June 2027. This will provide Montenegro with two years free of electoral processes, campaigns, and ongoing political instability.

This period allows us to channel the full capacity of our society towards accelerating our journey to the European Union, enhancing our fight against organized crime, implementing the vetting process, and promoting economic development. Holding all elections on a single day will help eliminate electoral tourism, enhance efficiency in various areas, and lay the groundwork for political stability.

I take pride in the realization of the idea I proposed several years ago, now fully adopted unanimously by a historic majority in Parliament. I commend the Parliament members for their responsible approach and extend special thanks to EU Ambassador to Montenegro Johann Sattler for his significant contributions over recent weeks and months in achieving this important milestone. We move forward together, with energy and determination. Our shared ambition is to see Montenegro as the 28th member of the European Union by 2028!