Gorčević in Paris: France’s Support Important for the Final Stage of Montenegro’s European Path

Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević met with Jean-François Rapin, President of the European Affairs Committee of the Senate of the French Republic, and members of the Committee, with whom she discussed Montenegro’s progress on its path toward the EU, the importance of France’s support in the final stage of the accession process, as well as the political moment in which enlargement policy is once again gaining a strong strategic dimension.

Gorčević emphasized that Montenegro is close to achieving its goal – EU membership – and that the focus of the entire Government is on results and reforms.

“This is a momentum Montenegro must not miss. Today we are the center of euro-optimism and the country expected to be the first to successfully complete the negotiation process. That is precisely why the upcoming EU–Western Balkans Summit, which will also be attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, represents a strong political message of trust and confirmation that Montenegro is recognized as a key partner in European enlargement policy,” said Gorčević.

During the meeting, they discussed progress in the area of the rule of law, economic reforms, as well as the beginning of drafting Montenegro’s EU Accession Treaty. The senators stated that France remains an important partner of Montenegro on its European path and that it will continue to support efforts leading to the full membership of our country in the European Union.

“France’s support is of special importance to us. Montenegro is committed to turning the current momentum of European enlargement policy into concrete results – closing negotiation chapters by the end of the year, alignment with European standards, and readiness for membership,” Gorčević emphasized.

The interlocutors exchanged views on the role of national parliaments in the process of European integration, the importance of political dialogue, as well as possibilities for further strengthening expert and institutional cooperation between Montenegro and France.

During the talks, Gorčević also pointed to the importance of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, recalling that Montenegro was recently approved funds amounting to 44.2 million euros, which represents confirmation that the European Union recognizes the results the country is achieving in implementing reforms.

“The Growth Plan is a concrete indicator that European integration brings benefits to citizens even before formal membership, but also that institutions are fulfilling the criteria required by European partners,” Gorčević said.

The interlocutors agreed that it is necessary to continue intensive political dialogue and institutional cooperation in order to successfully complete the drafting and ratification of the Accession Treaty and for Montenegro to become the next member of the European Union.

“Our message is clear: Montenegro wants to be the next member of the European Union. We have results, a high level of citizens’ support for European integration, the clear political will of the Government, and strong trust from European partners. Now is the time to complete this favorable political moment with the conclusion of negotiations and Montenegro’s membership in the European Union in 2028,” Gorčević concluded.