The President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Andrija Mandić, stated today that Montenegro will join the European Union (EU) once it achieves a clean and orderly society.

This announcement was made during a press conference held in Parliament alongside Marjan Šarec, the rapporteur for Montenegro from the European Parliament (EP).

Mandić emphasized, “This is a significant day for the Parliament. Our foremost foreign policy objective can only be fulfilled with the backing of the EP. We have garnered substantial support from the EP on this path. Montenegro’s entry into the EU hinges on us becoming a clean and orderly society, ensuring that we transform Montenegro into a nation of happy, free, and prosperous individuals. We are fortunate to have the firm support of our colleagues, which I consider a privilege as we move forward.”

Šarec noted that considerable progress has been achieved and acknowledged this fact.

“Montenegro has every opportunity to engage with the ongoing mandate of European institutions within the EU. Internal political tensions should not impede this process. Montenegro must remain resolute in its pursuit of EU membership, and the opposition has been very constructive in the European integration process; this collaboration needs to carry on,” Šarec remarked.

He stressed that Montenegro is confronted with numerous challenges, including the fight against crime and corruption, preserving media freedom, and reforming electoral laws.

“When elections approach, everyone desires favorable outcomes, and that can slow down the overall process. It often turns into a national issue, and time is of the essence. The deadlines set by the Government are drawing near, so we must concentrate all our efforts on the transition,” Šarec added.

When asked by Television Vijesti if he anticipates Croatia will unblock Chapter 31 for Montenegro and what that depends on, Šarec replied that this is “more a matter for Croatia than for us.”

“In my view, bilateral issues should never obstruct the process. When Croatia joined the EU, it had Slovenia as a neighbor, yet it never hindered their accession. I trust there will be enough wisdom and maturity to keep these bilateral concerns separate from the overall process, handled in a constructive European fashion,” Šarec concluded.

News