EU and Montenegro applaud progress in European integration and address upcoming challenges

MADRID, 14 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, as well as the representatives of the Government of Montenegro and the Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement of the European Union, Oliver Varhelyi, have applauded this Thursday the progress made in the matter of European integration with respect to Podgorica and have tackled the upcoming challenges.

"The participants have given their approval to the strategic ambitions of Montenegro to advance in the negotiations for accession to the EU taking into account the reform process," the Council of the European Union said in a statement.

On Wednesday, Borrell traveled to Montenegro precisely to attend the EU-Montenegro Stabilization and Association Council, a meeting held in the country's capital and also attended by the Prime Minister, Dritan Abazovic.

The parties have underlined their "expectations for a lasting political commitment to build a consensus among the relevant institutions and actors to carry out the necessary reform."

However, they have stated that there are challenges and, on the European side, have urged Montenegro to "continue working on the implementation of all relevant aspects" to achieve accession within the framework of a process that dates back to 2005.

"Once Montenegro addresses all remaining issues in areas such as freedom of the press and expression, the fight against corruption and organized crime, and accelerates reforms on judicial independence, it will be able to move forward with the accession process." , have pointed. "This path will be determined by Montenegro", collects the text.

Thus, they wanted to emphasize Brussels' commitment "to the integration of the entire Western Balkan region", which is why the meeting was held in Montenegro.

In this sense, they have requested that the country align itself with European foreign policy, which includes the restrictive measures imposed against Russia for the invasion of Ukraine. "This would be a clear sign of Montenegro's strategic orientation and commitment to its accession to the EU," they insist.